Cockleford Marsh facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
Example - Bogbean (Menyanthes trifoliata)
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| Area of Search | Gloucestershire |
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| Coordinates | 51°49′08″N 2°02′03″W / 51.818772°N 2.034046°W |
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 3.2 hectare |
| Notification | 1991 |
Cockleford Marsh is a special natural area in Gloucestershire, England. It covers about 3.2 hectares. This marsh is known as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means it's a protected place because of its unique plants and wildlife. It was officially recognized as an SSSI in 1991.
The marsh is located in the beautiful Cotswolds, an area famous for its natural beauty. It's a great example of a 'fen-meadow' habitat. These are wet, grassy areas that get water from natural springs. There are only a few places like this left in the Cotswolds. Cockleford Marsh is very rich in different kinds of plants. It has a mix of both grassland and wetland areas.
This site is also listed as a 'Key Wildlife Site' (KWS) in the local plans. This shows how important it is for protecting nature.
Amazing Plants You Can Find
The wet, fen-meadow part of the marsh is home to many interesting plants. You'll find lots of Hard Rush and Creeping Bent here. Another common plant is Brooklime.
Some plants found here are quite rare in Gloucestershire. These include the beautiful Bogbean, Common Cottongrass, and Marsh Arrowgrass. You can also spot the lovely Southern Marsh Orchid and Star Sedge. Many other special sedges grow here too.
A large number of Common Spotted Orchids have been recorded at the marsh. Other pretty flowers include Marsh Marigold, Ragged Robin, and Marsh Valerian.
Different Types of Grassland
Cockleford Marsh also has two main types of natural grassland. One type is short limestone grassland, where animals might graze. The other is taller, neutral grassland.
The short limestone grassland is especially rich in different kinds of herbs. Here you can find plants like Devil's bit Scabious and Burnet Saxifrage. Other interesting plants include Mouse-ear Hawkweed and Lady's Bedstraw.
