Coston Fen, Runhall facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
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| Area of Search | Norfolk |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 7.1 hectares (18 acres) |
| Notification | 1992 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Coston Fen, Runhall is a special natural area in Norfolk, England. It covers about 7.1-hectare (18-acre) (which is about 17.5 acres). This site is located between the towns of Dereham and Wymondham.
It's known as a biological Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means the area is protected because it has important plants, animals, or geological features. Coston Fen, Runhall is also part of the Norfolk Valley Fens Special Area of Conservation. This is an even bigger protection status for important natural habitats across Europe.
Why is Coston Fen, Runhall Special?
Coston Fen, Runhall is a unique place because of its special water source. It's fed by natural springs in the River Yare valley. This creates different types of "fen" habitats. Fens are a kind of wetland, like a marsh or bog, but they get their water from groundwater.
Home to Rare Plants
One of the most important things about Coston Fen is its very rare plant community. It has a special type of "calcareous mire." This is a wet, boggy area where the soil has lots of calcium from rocks. This kind of environment allows specific, rare fen plants to grow that can't be found in many other places.
Besides these unique wet areas, the site also has other habitats. You can find areas with tall herbs, which are like large wild plants. There are also parts with "scrub," which means small bushes and trees. Some areas are "improved pasture," which are fields that have been used for grazing animals.
Visiting Coston Fen
It's important to know that Coston Fen, Runhall is on private land. This means there is no public access for visitors. Its main purpose is to protect the rare plants and habitats that live there.
