Foulness SSSI facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
View across the River Roach
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| Area of Search | Essex |
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| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 10,702 hectares |
| Notification | 1993 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Foulness SSSI is a very large and special natural area located in Essex, England. It stretches along the coastline between Southend-on-Sea and the Crouch River mouth. This huge area, covering about 10,702 hectares, is officially recognized as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) because of its amazing wildlife and unique habitats.
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What Makes Foulness SSSI Special?
Foulness SSSI is not just any natural spot; it's a really important place for nature conservation. It's listed in A Nature Conservation Review, which highlights the best wildlife sites in Great Britain. It's also part of the Essex Estuaries Special Area of Conservation, meaning it's protected under European laws to help conserve important habitats and species.
International Importance for Wetlands
This area includes two Ramsar sites. Ramsar sites are wetlands that are recognized as being super important all over the world, especially for waterfowl (birds that live near water). The two sites here are called 'Crouch and Roach Estuaries' and 'Foulness'. This shows just how valuable Foulness is for wetland wildlife.
Shoeburyness Old Ranges: A Local Nature Reserve
A small part of Foulness SSSI, about 6.4 hectares, is known as Shoeburyness Old Ranges. This area is a Local Nature Reserve (LNR). It's looked after by the Essex Wildlife Trust, a charity that works to protect wildlife and wild places in Essex. LNRs are places where people can enjoy nature and learn about it.
Who Looks After Foulness?
Most of Foulness SSSI is owned and managed by the Ministry of Defence. They work to protect the natural environment while also using some parts for their activities. Natural England, a government body, describes Foulness as having "extensive intertidal sand-silt flats, saltmarsh, beaches, grazing marshes, rough grass and scrubland." This means it has a mix of muddy and sandy areas that get covered by the tide, salty marshes, beaches, and grassy fields.
Amazing Wildlife at Foulness
Foulness is a vital home for many different animals, especially birds.
Birds: A Haven for Wildfowl and Waders
The mudflats and sandy areas at Foulness are incredibly important for birds. They are a feeding ground for nine different types of wildfowl (like ducks and geese) and waders (birds that wade in shallow water). For example, many dark-bellied brent geese come here. These birds travel long distances, and Foulness provides a safe place for them to rest and find food.
Rare Plants and Insects
It's not just birds that thrive here! Foulness SSSI is also home to some very rare plants. These include soft hornwort and spiral tasselwood. These plants are not found in many other places, making Foulness very special. The site is also important for invertebrates (animals without backbones, like insects). In fact, 71 species of invertebrates found here are considered nationally rare! This means Foulness is a crucial place for protecting many tiny creatures too.
