Fobney Lock facts for kids
Fobney Lock is a special kind of gate system called a lock. It helps boats move up and down the River Kennet near Reading, in England. Next to the lock is a piece of land known as Fobney Island. This island is a protected area for wildlife, called a nature reserve.
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What is Fobney Lock?
A lock is like a water elevator for boats. It helps them travel between different water levels on a river or canal. Fobney Lock is part of the River Kennet, which is now managed as the Kennet Navigation. This lock helps boats go up or down about 7 feet 8 inches (2.24 meters).
Building the Lock
Fobney Lock was built a long time ago, between 1718 and 1723. An engineer named John Hore from Newbury was in charge of its construction. Today, the lock and this part of the river are looked after by the Canal & River Trust. They are a charity that cares for many waterways in England and Wales.
Discover Fobney Island Nature Reserve
Right next to Fobney Lock is Fobney Island. This island is a fantastic place for nature. In 2013, it was turned into a special nature reserve.
A Home for Wildlife
When Fobney Island became a nature reserve, new areas were created to attract different animals. These new habitats include:
- Wetlands: Areas of land that are always wet, like marshes.
- Hay meadows: Fields of grass and wildflowers that are cut for hay.
- Reed beds: Areas filled with tall, grass-like plants called reeds.
These different environments help many kinds of wildlife to live and thrive. You might spot various birds, bats, water voles, and even otters enjoying their home on Fobney Island. It's a great example of how we can protect nature.
