Carlton and Oulton Marshes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Carlton and Oulton Marshes |
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| Type | Nature reserve |
| Location | Lowestoft, Suffolk |
| OS grid | TM509919 |
| Area | 151 hectares |
| Managed by | Suffolk Wildlife Trust |
Carlton and Oulton Marshes is a special nature reserve in Lowestoft, Suffolk. It covers a large area of 151 hectares, which is about the size of 370 football fields! The Suffolk Wildlife Trust looks after this amazing place.
This reserve is very important for nature. It's part of several protected areas. These include the Sprat's Water and Marshes Site of Special Scientific Interest. It is also part of the Broadland Ramsar site, which protects wetlands around the world. The marshes are also a Special Protection Area for birds and a Special Area of Conservation. These titles mean the area is super important for wildlife.
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Exploring Carlton and Oulton Marshes
Carlton and Oulton Marshes are wetlands. Wetlands are areas where water covers the soil, or is present near the surface, for all or parts of the year. These marshes are split by a waterway called Oulton Dyke. This dyke is like a natural border.
You can explore parts of the marshes on foot. The Angles Way footpath goes through Carlton Marsh. This is south of Oulton Dyke. There are also footpaths in Oulton Marsh, which is north of the dyke. These paths let you get close to nature.
Amazing Wildlife at the Marshes
The marshes are home to many different animals and plants. It's a great place to spot wildlife. Many rare and interesting species live here.
Birds of the Marshes
Many birds love the marshes. You might see birds of prey flying overhead. These include marsh harriers, barn owls, and hobbies. Marsh harriers are large birds that hunt over the reeds. Barn owls are beautiful white owls that hunt at night. Hobbies are fast, falcon-like birds.
In winter, many wildfowl come to the marshes. These are birds like ducks and geese. They come here to feed and rest. Many wading birds also breed here. Waders are birds with long legs that walk in shallow water.
Unique Spiders and Plants
The marshes are also home to some very special creatures. One of these is the semi-aquatic fen raft spider. These spiders are quite rare in Britain. In 2012, some fen raft spiders were released here. This was done to help increase their numbers. These spiders can walk on water!
You can also find interesting plants. One example is the underwater insectivorous bladderwort. This plant is amazing because it traps tiny water fleas. It's like a mini underwater trap!
Protecting Nature
The Suffolk Wildlife Trust works hard to protect Carlton and Oulton Marshes. They make sure the habitats are healthy. This helps all the animals and plants that live there. Protecting places like this is important. It helps keep our planet healthy for everyone.
