Cockthorpe Common, Stiffkey facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
 |
|
| Area of Search | Norfolk |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 7.1 hectares (18 acres) |
| Notification | 1985 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Cockthorpe Common, Stiffkey is a very special natural area in Norfolk, England. It covers about 7.1 hectares, which is roughly the size of 10 football fields! This beautiful common is officially recognized as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) because of its amazing plants and wildlife. It's located east of Wells-next-the-Sea and is also part of the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
What Makes Cockthorpe Common Special?
Cockthorpe Common is a "biological" SSSI. This means it's important for its living things, especially its plants. The common is found in the valley of the River Stiffkey. It has steep slopes where you can find a special type of habitat called chalk grassland.
A Home for Unique Plants
The chalk grassland at Cockthorpe Common is full of different kinds of herbs and wildflowers. These plants love the chalky soil. You can find many interesting species here, including:
- Salad burnet: A plant with small, reddish-brown flowers and leaves that smell a bit like cucumber.
- Dropwort: This plant has creamy-white flowers that grow in flat-topped clusters.
- Common rock-rose: A bright yellow flower that often grows in sunny, rocky places.
- Large thyme: A fragrant herb with small purple flowers, loved by bees.
- Cowslip: A pretty yellow wildflower that looks like a bunch of tiny bells.
These plants make the common a colorful and important place for insects and other wildlife.
Visiting Cockthorpe Common
If you want to explore Cockthorpe Common, you're in luck! There is a public footpath that goes right through the site. This means you can walk along the path and enjoy the beautiful scenery and unique plants. It's a great place to connect with nature and see some of Norfolk's special wildlife.
