Eelmoor Marsh facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
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Highland Cattle helping to manage Eelmoor Marsh.
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| Area of Search | Hampshire |
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| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 66.3 hectares (164 acres) |
| Notification | 1993 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Eelmoor Marsh is a special natural area in Hampshire, England. It covers about 66 hectares (that's like 164 football fields!). This marsh is protected because it's home to many unique plants and animals. It's also part of a bigger area called the Thames Basin Heaths, which is important for protecting wild birds.
Contents
What Makes Eelmoor Marsh Special?
Eelmoor Marsh is a very interesting place with different types of habitats. It has a bog with deep peat, which is like very old, squishy soil made from plants. There are also areas of grassy heathland and woodland. A network of small ditches helps to manage the water flow.
Amazing Plants and Insects
The bog at Eelmoor Marsh is home to over 250 different kinds of flowering plants and grasses. Some of these plants are quite unusual because they eat insects! They include:
- Common butterwort
- Pale butterwort
- Small bladderwort
- Common sundew
These plants have special ways to trap and digest tiny insects. Besides these fascinating plants, the marsh also has many different types of insects and other small creatures.
Protecting Wildlife at Eelmoor Marsh
Eelmoor Marsh is carefully looked after to make sure its special plants and animals can thrive.
How the Marsh is Managed
Since 1995, a group called Marwell Wildlife has been managing Eelmoor Marsh. They use special methods to help the environment.
One important method is called conservation grazing. This means they use animals to eat some of the plants. This helps to keep the habitat open and healthy for other species.
Przewalski's Horses Help Out
Marwell Wildlife uses Przewalski's horse for grazing. These horses are an endangered species, meaning there are very few left in the wild. By using them at Eelmoor Marsh, they help manage the land and also give these rare horses a safe place to live.
Bringing Back the Sand Lizard
Eelmoor Marsh is also a special site for bringing back the sand lizard. This lizard is the rarest reptile in the United Kingdom. Scientists are working to reintroduce them to places like Eelmoor Marsh, helping their numbers grow.
