Combe Haven facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
 |
|
| Area of Search | East Sussex |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 153.0 acres (61.9 hectares) |
| Notification | 1985 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Combe Haven is a very special place for nature in East Sussex, England. It's located between the towns of Hastings and Bexhill-on-Sea. This area covers about 153 hectares (which is like 380 football fields!) and is known as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, or SSSI for short. This means it's protected because of its amazing wildlife and natural features.
A part of Combe Haven, about 18.5 acres, is called Filsham Reedbed Local Nature Reserve. This important area is looked after by the Sussex Wildlife Trust, helping to keep it safe for all the plants and animals that live there.
Contents
What Makes Combe Haven Special?
Combe Haven is a fantastic place because it has many different types of natural homes, called habitats. These habitats allow a wide variety of plants and animals to thrive.
Diverse Habitats
Most of Combe Haven is made up of alluvial meadows. These are grassy fields that are often wet because they are on floodplains, meaning rivers have deposited soil there over time. These meadows are divided by many small ditches that help drain the water.
Besides the wet meadows, you can also find areas of ancient woodland. These are forests that have been around for a very long time, often for hundreds of years, and are home to old trees and unique plants.
Filsham Reedbed: A Wetland Wonderland
One of the most important parts of Combe Haven is the Filsham Reedbed. This is the largest area of reed beds in all of East Sussex. Reed beds are wetlands filled with tall grass-like plants called reeds. They are super important for many kinds of wildlife, especially birds.
Amazing Wildlife
Combe Haven is a busy place for animals, especially birds and butterflies.
Birds of Combe Haven
Many different types of birds visit Combe Haven. Some birds live here all year round and raise their families, like many songbirds and water birds. Other birds come here just for the winter, flying from colder places to find food and shelter. This makes Combe Haven a great spot for birdwatching!
Butterflies and More
It's not just birds that love Combe Haven. The area is also home to many different species of butterflies. These beautiful insects flutter among the meadows and woodlands, adding bright colors to the landscape. The diverse plants in the area provide food and a home for these delicate creatures.
Why is Combe Haven Protected?
Combe Haven was officially recognized as a Site of Special Scientific Interest in 1985. This protection is really important because it helps make sure that this valuable natural area and its wildlife are kept safe for future generations to enjoy. Protecting places like Combe Haven helps us understand and appreciate the natural world around us.
