Bassenhally Pit facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
 |
|
| Area of Search | Cambridgeshire |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 8.6 hectares |
| Notification | 1984 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Bassenhally Pit is a special natural area in Cambridgeshire, England. It's officially called a 'Site of Special Scientific Interest' (SSSI). This means it's recognized as one of the best places for wildlife in the country.
This amazing place covers about 8.6 hectares. That's roughly the size of 12 football fields! It's located north-east of a town called Whittlesey.
What is Bassenhally Pit?
Bassenhally Pit used to be a place where people dug up gravel. But now, it's a protected area where nature thrives. Being an SSSI helps protect this important site for the future.
Amazing Habitats
This former gravel pit has become a home for many different kinds of nature. You can find a mix of habitats here, like a pond, wet marshy areas, grassy fields, bushy scrub, and even small woodlands. These different areas mean lots of different plants and animals can live there.
Rare Marshland
One of the most important parts of Bassenhally Pit is its marshland. This type of wet habitat is quite rare in the United Kingdom. It's a very special place for certain plants to grow.
Some of the unique plants you might find in the marsh include:
- Jointed rush
- Creeping bent
- Lesser water-plantain
- Early marsh-orchid
- Water violet
These plants are important for the ecosystem of the marsh.
Visiting Bassenhally Pit
Bassenhally Pit is owned by a group called the Whittlesey Wildfowlers and Conservationists. It's a private site, which means there is no public access for visitors. This helps to protect the delicate habitats and rare plants that live there.
