Broad Fen, Dilham facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
 |
|
| Area of Search | Norfolk |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 38.4 hectares (95 acres) |
| Notification | 1983 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Broad Fen, Dilham is a special natural area in Norfolk, England. It covers about 38.4 hectares, which is like 70 football fields! This place is protected because it's home to many important plants and animals. It's known as a biological Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
Broad Fen, Dilham is also part of bigger protected areas. These include the Broadland Ramsar site, a Special Protection Area (SPA), and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC). These titles mean it's super important for wildlife, especially birds and rare habitats, not just in the UK but across Europe and the world.
Contents
What Makes Broad Fen Special?
This amazing place has many different kinds of natural homes, called habitats. Each habitat supports different types of plants and animals.
Diverse Habitats at Broad Fen
- Fen: This is a type of wetland with lots of peat. It's like a spongy, waterlogged area where special plants grow.
- Carr woodland: This is a forest that grows in wet, marshy ground. Trees like alder and willow often thrive here.
- Open water: This includes ponds, parts of the old North Walsham & Dilham Canal, and small ditches called dykes.
- Fen meadows: These are grassy areas that are sometimes wet, with unique wildflowers.
Amazing Aquatic Plants
The open water areas at Broad Fen are full of interesting plants. You might spot:
- Bladderwort: This is a really cool plant that eats tiny water insects! It has little "bladders" that suck in its prey.
- White water lily: These beautiful flowers float on the water's surface, adding a touch of elegance to the ponds.
Why is it Protected?
Broad Fen, Dilham was officially made a Site of Special Scientific Interest in 1983. This protection helps make sure that its unique habitats and the creatures living there are kept safe for the future. It's a fantastic place to learn about nature and see how different ecosystems work together.
