Filsham Reedbed facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Filsham Reedbed |
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| Type | Local Nature Reserve |
| Location | St Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex |
| OS grid | TQ 777 097 |
| Area | 18.5 hectares (46 acres) |
| Managed by | Sussex Wildlife Trust |
Filsham Reedbed is a special natural area, about 18.5 hectares (that's like 45 football fields!) big. It's located near St Leonards-on-Sea in East Sussex, England. This amazing place is a Local Nature Reserve, which means it's protected because of its important wildlife and habitats. Hastings Borough Council owns it, and the Sussex Wildlife Trust helps look after it, making sure it stays a great home for nature.
It's also part of a bigger area called Combe Haven, which is a 'Site of Special Scientific Interest' (SSSI). This means it's recognized nationally for its special plants, animals, or geology.
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Discover Filsham Reedbed's Wonders
Filsham Reedbed is a fantastic place to explore nature. It's known for being one of the largest reedbeds in East Sussex. But it's not just reeds! This reserve also has different types of habitats, making it a home for many different creatures.
A Home for Many Habitats
Beyond the tall reeds, you can find areas of grazing marsh. This is wet grassland where animals might graze. There are also swampy areas, which are like very wet woodlands. Plus, parts of the reserve include ancient woodland, which means trees have been growing there for a very long time.
These different habitats create a perfect environment for a huge variety of life. Each part of the reserve offers something unique for plants and animals.
Amazing Plants and Animals
Filsham Reedbed is bursting with life! It's a really important spot for wildlife.
Incredible Invertebrates
Scientists have found over 1,000 different kinds of invertebrates here. Invertebrates are creatures without a backbone, like insects, spiders, and snails. This huge number shows how healthy and diverse the reedbed is. You might spot colourful dragonflies, busy beetles, or interesting butterflies.
Diverse Bird Life
The bird life at Filsham Reedbed is also very important and varied. Many different bird species live here all year round, while others visit during migration. You might see birds that love wetlands, like warblers hiding in the reeds, or ducks and geese on the water. It's a great place for birdwatching!
Wonderful Wild Plants
The reserve is home to a wide variety of plants. These plants provide food and shelter for all the animals. The reeds themselves are a type of grass that grows very tall in wet places. They are crucial for many of the insects and birds that live here.
Exploring the Reserve
You can visit Filsham Reedbed and enjoy its natural beauty. There are a couple of ways to get into the reserve. You can access it from Reedswood Road. There is also a footpath that runs alongside the Combe Haven river, which offers another way to enter and explore this special place. It's a great spot for a walk and to connect with nature.
