Barrow Gravel Pits facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
 |
|
| Area of Search | Leicestershire |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 35.6 hectares (88 acres) |
| Notification | 1983 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Barrow Gravel Pits is a special natural area in Barrow-upon-Soar in Leicestershire, England. It covers about 35.6 hectares, which is roughly the size of 50 football fields! This site is officially known as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means it's a protected area because it has important plants, animals, or geological features. Barrow Gravel Pits is special for its amazing variety of living things, making it a "biological" SSSI.
What Makes Barrow Gravel Pits Special?
This amazing place is located in the floodplain of the River Soar. A floodplain is a flat area of land next to a river that might get flooded when the river overflows. This makes the soil very rich and good for certain types of plants.
The site used to be a place where people dug out gravel, which is why it's called "gravel pits." Now, these old pits are filled with water, creating lovely open ponds. Besides these ponds, Barrow Gravel Pits also has different types of habitats. These include wet, grassy areas called marshes, fields where hay is grown, areas with lots of trees (woodland), and bushy areas known as scrub. Each of these habitats provides a home for different kinds of plants and animals.
Amazing Plants You Might See
The water in the old gravel pits is home to many interesting plants. These are called aquatic plants because they live in water. Some of the cool plants you can find here include:
- Yellow water lily: You might see its bright yellow flowers floating on the water.
- Rigid hornwort: This plant grows completely underwater and has stiff, branched stems.
- Lesser pondweed: Another underwater plant that provides food and shelter for small water creatures.
- Fan-leaved water crowfoot: This plant has delicate leaves that look like a fan and often has white flowers.
These plants are important because they help keep the water clean and provide food and shelter for insects, fish, and birds.
Visiting Barrow Gravel Pits
If you want to explore this natural wonder, you can get there through a caravan park. The entrance is located off Bridge Street in Barrow upon Soar. It's a great place to visit if you enjoy nature, birdwatching, or just want to see some unique plants. Remember to always respect the environment and stay on marked paths to protect this special area.
