Cattawade Marshes facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
 |
|
| Area of Search | Essex Suffolk |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 88.2 hectares (218 acres) |
| Notification | 1988 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Cattawade Marshes is a very special natural area located between the towns of East Bergholt and Manningtree. It stretches across parts of both Essex and Suffolk counties in England. This important wetland is looked after by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), which is a charity that works to protect wild birds and their homes.
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What Makes Cattawade Marshes Special?
Cattawade Marshes covers about 88.2 hectares (218 acres), which is roughly the size of 120 football fields! It's officially known as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means the area has been recognized by the government as having important wildlife, plants, or geology that needs to be protected. Cattawade Marshes is special because of its amazing biology.
Why is it a Ramsar Site?
This area is also a Ramsar site, which means it's a wetland that is important all over the world! Ramsar sites are places where many different kinds of water birds gather, especially during migration. Protecting these sites helps make sure these birds have safe places to rest and feed.
Part of a Special Protection Area
Cattawade Marshes is also part of the Stour and Orwell Special Protection Area. These areas are chosen because they are vital for protecting wild birds, especially those that are rare or in danger. It helps make sure birds have enough space and food to survive and raise their young.
A Beautiful Natural Landscape
The marshes are also found within the Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This title is given to places in England and Wales that have especially beautiful landscapes. It means the area's natural beauty is protected so everyone can enjoy it.
What Kind of Nature Lives Here?
The site is a marshy area located between two parts of the River Stour. This mix of water and land creates the perfect home for many different animals and plants.
Birds of the Marshes
Cattawade Marshes is super important for birds that breed here. It's a fantastic spot for wading birds and wildfowl. You might spot birds like:
- Shoveler (a duck with a large, shovel-shaped bill)
- Teal (a small, fast-flying duck)
- Tufted Duck (a diving duck with a distinctive crest)
- Water Rail (a shy bird that lives in dense marsh plants)
These birds come to the marshes to find food, build nests, and raise their chicks.
Other Habitats and Wildlife
Besides the marshland, the site also has areas of grassland and many ditches. These different habitats mean that a variety of other creatures can live here too, from insects and amphibians to small mammals. The ditches are like mini-rivers that provide homes for aquatic life and help keep the marsh wet.
Visiting Cattawade Marshes
While there is no public access directly onto the Cattawade Marshes site itself, you can still enjoy views of this beautiful area. There is a public footpath located on the south side of the River Stour. From this path, you can look out over the marshes and try to spot some of the amazing birds and wildlife that call this place home.
