Bure Broads and Marshes facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
 |
|
| Area of Search | Norfolk |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 741.1 hectares (1,831 acres) |
| Notification | 1991 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Bure Broads and Marshes is a huge area of wetlands in Norfolk, England. It covers about 741 hectares, which is like 1,831 football fields! This special place is north-east of Norwich. It's protected because it's home to many rare plants and animals.
It is part of a bigger area called the Broadland Ramsar site and Special Protection Area. It is also part of The Broads Special Area of Conservation.
Contents
Why is Bure Broads and Marshes Special?
This amazing area is a "Site of Special Scientific Interest" (SSSI). This means it's a very important place for nature in the UK. Most of it is also a National Nature Reserve. This shows how important it is for protecting wildlife.
The area is mostly made of fenland peats. These are very wet, spongy soils found in wetlands. It sits in the floodplain of the River Bure. This means the river sometimes floods the land, which helps create its unique habitat.
Unique Habitats and Plants
One really special part of Bure Broads and Marshes is its "alder carr". This is a type of swampy woodland. It grows on unstable peats and mud. This kind of habitat is quite rare and important for many species.
The wet environment supports many different plants. You can find plants that love water and damp soil here. These plants form the base of the food chain for many animals.
Amazing Animals to Discover
Bure Broads and Marshes is a fantastic place for wildlife. It's home to many rare birds. Birdwatchers love to visit this area. You might spot some unusual species flying around.
It's also a haven for butterflies. Many rare butterfly species live here. They depend on the special plants found in the marshes and fens. This makes the area very important for insect conservation.
How is This Area Protected?
This important wetland has several layers of protection. It was first named a Site of Special Scientific Interest in 1991. This gives it legal protection in the UK.
Two parts of Bure Broads and Marshes are managed by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust. These are Cockshoot Broad and Ranworth Broad. The Trust works to keep these areas healthy for wildlife. They help protect the plants and animals that live there.
The area is also part of international protection plans. It's a Ramsar site, which means it's a wetland of international importance. It's also a Special Protection Area and a Special Area of Conservation. These titles show its value for birds and other habitats across Europe.
