Bixley Heath facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
 |
|
| Area of Search | Suffolk |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 5.1 hectares |
| Notification | 1990 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Bixley Heath is a special natural area in Suffolk, near Ipswich. It's about 5.1 hectares big, which is like 12 football fields! This place is protected because it has important plants and animals. It's called a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and also a Local Nature Reserve. The Ipswich Borough Council looks after it.
Contents
Where is Bixley Heath?
Bixley Heath is located on the eastern side of Ipswich. It's near areas like Broke Hall Farm and Purdis Farm. Part of the heath is in the Ipswich Borough Council area. Another part is in the East Suffolk council area. It's also close to the Ipswich Golf Club.
What Kind of Nature is Here?
Bixley Heath is part of the Suffolk Sandlings area. It has two main types of natural habitats. One is dry heathland. The other is a rare swamp area. This swamp is found along a small valley.
Heathland Plants
The heathland part of Bixley Heath is mostly covered by a plant called heather. Its scientific name is Calluna vulgaris. You can also find other types of heather here. Different kinds of grasses grow too, like Common Bent-grass (Agrostis capillaris). Near the edges, there is some Bracken and small trees.
Swamp Plants
The swamp area has its own special plants. The main plant here is Lesser Pond-sedge (Carex acutiformis). Other plants you might see are Great Reedmace (Typha latifolia). You can also find Great Willowherb (Epilobium hirsutum). There are many Sallow trees throughout the swamp. Some parts have open reed beds. Here, you'll find Common Reed (Phragmites australis).
How to Visit Bixley Heath
You can get to Bixley Heath from Bucklesham Road. You can also access it from Salehurst Road. It's a great place to explore nature!
