Deben Estuary facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
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| Area of Search | Suffolk |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 981.1 hectares |
| Notification | 1991 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
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Designations
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| Official name: Deben Estuary | |
| Designated: | 11 March 1996 |
|---|---|
| Reference #: | 794 |
The Deben Estuary is a very special natural area in Suffolk, England. It covers the River Deben and its banks. This important place stretches about 12 miles (19 km) from the sea near Felixstowe up to the town of Woodbridge.
It is a huge area, about 981.1 hectares (that's like 2,424 football fields!). The Deben Estuary is officially recognized as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means it's a top spot for nature in the UK. It is also a Ramsar site, which means it's an internationally important wetland. Wetlands are vital places for birds and other wildlife.
This estuary is also a Special Protection Area (SPA) under a European Union rule. This rule helps protect wild birds. Plus, it's part of the beautiful Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Why the Deben Estuary is Special
The Deben Estuary is a very important place for many reasons. It is especially known for its amazing wildlife.
Birds of the Estuary
Many different kinds of birds come to the Deben Estuary. It is a key spot for overwintering birds. This means birds that fly here to spend the colder months. These include waders (birds that feed in shallow water) and wildfowl (like ducks and geese).
The estuary is super important for:
- Redshanks: These birds are important all over the world. Many redshanks spend their winter here.
- Dark-bellied brent geese: Large numbers of these geese also choose the Deben Estuary for winter.
- Shelducks: These are large, colourful ducks that are common here.
- Black-tailed godwits: These long-legged waders are another important species found here.
Plants and Other Wildlife
Besides birds, the Deben Estuary has special saltmarshes. These are grassy areas that grow in salty water near the coast. These saltmarshes are very diverse, meaning they have many different types of plants.
You can also find some very rare plants here. There are three types of plants that are nationally rare. This means they are not found in many other places in the UK. The estuary is also home to a type of mollusc (like a snail or clam) that is nationally rare.
All these features make the Deben Estuary a truly unique and important natural habitat. It is a place where nature thrives and needs our protection.
