Birch Spinney and Mawsley Marsh facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
Mawsley Marsh
|
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| Area of Search | Northamptonshire |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 12.3 hectares |
| Notification | 1984 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Birch Spinney and Mawsley Marsh is a special natural area in Northamptonshire, England. It's located north-west of a village called Broughton. This site covers about 12.3 hectares, which is roughly the size of 30 football fields! It's officially recognized as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) because of its unique plants and habitats.
Contents
What Makes This Place Special?
Birch Spinney and Mawsley Marsh are important because they protect rare types of natural environments.
Birch Spinney: A Unique Woodland
Birch Spinney is a woodland area. It's quite rare because it's an ash-maple woodland that grows partly on peat. Peat is a type of soil made from decayed plants. This special soil helps certain plants and trees to grow.
Mawsley Marsh: A Wetland Wonderland
Mawsley Marsh is a wetland, which means it's a marshy area. Natural England, a group that protects nature, says it's one of the best marshes left in Northamptonshire. Marshes are important homes for many different plants and animals.
Plants You Might Find
In Mawsley Marsh, you can find interesting plants like:
- blunt-flowered rush
- jointed rush
- water horsetail
These plants thrive in the wet conditions of the marsh.
The Old Railway Line
Part of this special site also includes an old, unused railway line. This adds another interesting feature to the landscape.
Visiting the Area
It's important to know that you cannot go directly into Birch Spinney and Mawsley Marsh. This helps to protect the delicate plants and habitats. However, there is a public footpath that runs along the edge of Mawsley Marsh. This path starts from Great Cransley, not from Mawsley. It allows people to enjoy views of the marsh from a distance.
