Climping Beach facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
 |
|
| Area of Search | West Sussex |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 32.1 hectares (79 acres) |
| Notification | 1985 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Climping Beach is a special natural area located west of Littlehampton in West Sussex, England. It covers about 32 hectares (which is like 80 football fields!). This area is protected because of its important plants and animals.
Part of Climping Beach, the eastern half, is also known as West Beach. This section is a Local Nature Reserve, which means it's a place where people can enjoy nature and learn about it, while also keeping it safe for wildlife.
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Climping Beach: A Special Place for Nature
Climping Beach is officially a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This title means it's one of the best places in the country for its wildlife, geology, or landforms. The government protects these sites to make sure they stay healthy and special for future generations.
What Makes Climping Beach Special?
Climping Beach has a unique mix of different natural areas. These areas are home to many different kinds of plants and animals.
Sand Dunes and Shingle Beaches
Behind the main beach, you'll find sand dunes. These are hills of sand shaped by the wind. In front of the dunes is a shingle beach. This type of beach is made up of small stones and pebbles. What makes it extra special is that plants actually grow on these pebbles! This "vegetated shingle beach" is quite rare in the UK.
Life in the Tides
The area between the high tide and low tide marks is called the intertidal zone. At Climping Beach, this zone has soft mud and sand. If you look closely, you'll find many small creatures living here. These are called invertebrates, which means they don't have a backbone, like worms or tiny shellfish.
Who Lives Here?
The small creatures living in the mud and sand are very important. They provide a lot of food for birds, especially during the winter months. Many birds fly to Climping Beach to feed and rest.
One bird that loves to visit is the sanderling. These small, fast-moving birds can often be seen running along the water's edge, chasing the waves to find food. Climping Beach gives them a safe and food-rich place to stay during their long journeys.
