Chessel Bay facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Chessel Bay |
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Chessel Bay at low tide
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| Type | Local Nature Reserve |
| Location | Southampton, Hampshire |
| OS grid | SU 440 128 |
| Area | 12.9 hectares (32 acres) |
| Managed by | Southampton City Council |
Chessel Bay is a special natural area in Southampton, Hampshire, covering about 12.9 hectares (32 acres). It's located on the east side of the River Itchen. This beautiful spot is officially known as a Local Nature Reserve, which means it's protected for its wildlife and natural features. The Southampton City Council looks after Chessel Bay.
Chessel Bay is also part of bigger, very important natural areas. These include the Solent and Southampton Water Ramsar site and a Special Protection Area, which are international agreements to protect wetlands and birds. It's also part of the Lee-on-The Solent to Itchen Estuary, which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest in the UK. This means it's a really important place for nature!
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What Makes Chessel Bay Special?
Chessel Bay has a mix of different natural habitats. These include a narrow strip of woodland, a shingle beach area, and a saltmarsh. A saltmarsh is a coastal wetland that is flooded by tides. The biggest part of the bay is its wide mudflats.
The Amazing Mudflats
When the tide goes out, the large mudflats become visible. These muddy areas are super important because they attract many different kinds of birds. These birds come to feed on the small creatures living in the mud. The mudflats at Chessel Bay are important not just for local wildlife, but also on a national and international level.
Wildlife at Chessel Bay
Chessel Bay is a fantastic place for birdwatching. Many wading birds and wildfowl visit the bay, especially when the tide is low.
Birds You Might See
- Curlew: These birds have long, curved beaks.
- Oystercatchers: Look for their bright orange beaks and black and white feathers.
- Dunlin: These are small wading birds.
You can often see these birds throughout the year. In the colder months, Chessel Bay also becomes a stop-over point for birds migrating (traveling long distances). For example, brent geese often stop here on their journey.
Helping Hands: Volunteers at Chessel Bay
Even though Chessel Bay is a protected area, it needs help to stay clean and healthy. Unfortunately, a lot of litter can wash up in the bay.
Friends of Chessel Bay
Local volunteers, known as the "Friends of Chessel Bay," work hard to protect this area. They team up with the Southampton City Council twice a year. Their main jobs are to:
- Clean up the large amounts of litter that collect in the bay.
- Help manage the Reserve to keep it a great home for wildlife.
Their efforts help make sure Chessel Bay remains a beautiful and important place for nature and for people to enjoy.
