Basildon Meadows facts for kids
Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
Area of Search | Essex |
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Grid reference | |
Interest | Biological |
Area | 6.5 hectares |
Notification | 1985 |
Location map | Magic Map |
Basildon Meadows is a special place for nature. It's located on the southern edge of Basildon in Essex, England. This area covers about 6.5 hectares, which is roughly the size of nine football fields! It's officially protected as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means it's recognized for its important plants and natural habitats.
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Discover Basildon Meadows: A Special Place
Basildon Meadows is made up of three large fields. These fields are called "unimproved meadows." This means they haven't been treated with chemical fertilizers or ploughed for many years. Because of this, they are home to a wide variety of wild plants and flowers.
What Plants Live Here?
The meadows are full of different types of grasses. Some of the main grasses you might find include:
- Creeping bent
- Rye-grass
- Crested dog's tail
But it's not just grasses! The meadows also have beautiful and rare flowers. Two very special ones found here are:
- The green-winged orchid
- Yellow rattle
These flowers are quite rare in Essex, making Basildon Meadows a very important spot for them.
Other Features of the Meadows
Besides the open fields, Basildon Meadows also has a small pond. Ponds are great for wildlife, providing homes for insects, frogs, and other creatures. There are also scattered areas of scrub, which are small bushes and trees. These areas offer shelter and food for birds and small animals.
Why is Basildon Meadows Protected?
Basildon Meadows became a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in 1985. It was given this protection because its unimproved meadows are rare and valuable. They support plants and habitats that are not common elsewhere. Protecting places like this helps to keep our natural world healthy and diverse. It ensures that rare plants have a safe place to grow and thrive for future generations.
Visiting Basildon Meadows
It's important to know that Basildon Meadows is on private land. This means there is no public access to the fields. Even though you can't walk through them, knowing about these special places helps us appreciate the natural beauty and biodiversity around us.