East Wretham Heath facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
 |
|
| Area of Search | Norfolk |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 141.1 hectares (349 acres) |
| Notification | 1984 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
East Wretham Heath is a special natural area in Norfolk, England. It covers about 141.1-hectare (349-acre) of land. This place is important for its unique plants and wildlife. It is located south-east of a town called Thetford.
East Wretham Heath is looked after by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust. This group helps protect the natural environment.
Contents
What Makes East Wretham Heath Special?
East Wretham Heath is known as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means it's a very important place for nature in the UK. The government protects these sites because they have rare plants, animals, or geological features.
A Home for Rare Nature
This heath is part of a bigger area called Breckland. Breckland is special because it has unique dry grasslands. East Wretham Heath is also part of two larger protected areas:
- Special Area of Conservation (SAC): This protects important habitats and species across Europe.
- Special Protection Area (SPA): This protects wild birds and their habitats.
These protections help make sure the plants and animals here can thrive.
Unique Lakes and Plants
One of the most interesting things about East Wretham Heath is its two lakes, called meres. These meres are fed by water from underground. Their water levels change a lot, sometimes getting very wet and sometimes drying out.
This changing water level creates a special environment. It allows unusual plants to grow that can handle both wet and dry conditions. For example, you might find plants like reed canary grass and amphibious bistort growing here. These plants are tough and have adapted to the unique conditions of the meres.
Visiting East Wretham Heath
Good news! You can visit East Wretham Heath. It's a great place to explore nature and see the unique plants and landscapes. It's a wonderful spot for a walk and to learn about how special natural areas are protected.
