Ely Pits and Meadows facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Site of Special Scientific Interest |
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| Area of Search | Cambridgeshire |
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| Interest | Biological Geological |
| Area | 85.8 hectares |
| Notification | 2008 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Ely Pits and Meadows is a special natural area in Cambridgeshire, England. It covers about 85.8 hectares, which is like 210 football fields! This site is located just outside the town of Ely.
What makes it so special? It's the only place in Cambridgeshire that's important for both its amazing wildlife and its ancient geology. This means it's a great spot for studying both living creatures and rocks from millions of years ago. Part of this area, called Roswell Pits, is an 8-hectare nature reserve. It's looked after by the Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire, helping to protect its unique features.
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What Makes Ely Pits and Meadows Special?
Ely Pits and Meadows is known as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This is a special title given to places in the UK that have important wildlife, plants, or geological features. The government protects these sites to make sure they stay healthy and safe for future generations.
This area sits right by the River Great Ouse. It has old clay and beet pits that are no longer used, along with grassy areas and ponds. These different habitats create a perfect home for many kinds of plants and animals.
Ancient Discoveries: Fossils!
One of the most exciting things about Ely Pits and Meadows is its geology. Scientists have found many fossils of ancient reptiles here! These fossils date back to a time called the Kimmeridgian period. This was about 155 million years ago, during the late Jurassic period. Imagine, dinosaurs and other amazing creatures roamed the Earth then! Finding these fossils helps us learn about life on Earth long, long ago.
Amazing Wildlife
Ely Pits and Meadows is also a fantastic place for wildlife, especially birds. It's a key spot for many breeding birds.
Birds of Ely Pits
One of the most important birds found here is the bittern. Bitterns are quite rare in the UK. They are shy birds that hide among the reeds. Ely Pits and Meadows is a vital place for them, both for nesting in the summer and for spending the winter. Protecting this area helps these special birds survive.
Mammals You Might See
Besides birds, the site is home to other interesting animals. You might spot water voles, which are small, furry creatures that live near water. There are also at least six different kinds of bats that live and hunt in the area. Bats are important for controlling insects and are fascinating creatures of the night.
Visiting Ely Pits and Meadows
If you want to explore this amazing place, you can visit Roswell Pits. There's a footpath that leads to it from Kiln Lane. It's a great way to see some of the unique nature and perhaps even spot some of the rare wildlife that calls this place home. Remember to always respect the natural environment when you visit.
