Cam Washes facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
 |
|
| Area of Search | Cambridgeshire |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 166.5 hectares |
| Notification | 1986 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
The Cam Washes is a really special natural area in Cambridgeshire, England. It covers about 166.5 hectares, which is like 400 football fields! This amazing place is located west of a village called Wicken. It's officially known as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) because it's super important for wildlife, especially birds.
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What Makes Cam Washes Special?
The Cam Washes sits right next to the River Cam. This area is mostly made up of grassy fields, called pastures, that get flooded with water during certain times of the year. This seasonal flooding creates the perfect home for many different kinds of animals and plants.
A Haven for Birds
Natural England, an organization that protects nature, says that Cam Washes is a very important spot for birds. It's a fantastic place for birds to visit during the winter and also for them to raise their young.
Winter Visitors
When winter arrives, many birds fly to Cam Washes to find food and shelter. These include various types of wildfowl (like ducks and geese) and waders (birds with long legs that walk in shallow water).
Breeding Birds
When spring comes, many birds choose Cam Washes as their home to build nests and have their babies. Some of the cool birds you might spot here include:
- Snipe: These birds are masters of camouflage with their striped heads.
- Common redshank: You can often hear their loud calls, and they have bright orange-red legs.
- Gadwall: A type of duck that looks quite plain but has a neat white patch on its wing.
- Eurasian teal: These are small, fast-flying ducks.
- Northern shoveler: Easy to spot with their large, spoon-shaped bills!
Exploring the Cam Washes
If you want to visit this wonderful place, you can! There's a path called the Fen Rivers Way that goes right through the site. It's a great way to explore and see the wildlife up close, especially if you enjoy walking or cycling. Remember to be quiet and respectful of the animals living there.
