Greywell Fen facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
 |
|
| Area of Search | Hampshire |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 38.0 hectares (94 acres) |
| Notification | 1984 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Greywell Fen is a very special natural area in Greywell, Hampshire. It covers about 38 hectares (94 acres) and is protected because of its amazing wildlife. This site is officially known as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
Part of Greywell Fen, about 13 hectares (32 acres), is a nature reserve called Greywell Moors. This reserve is looked after by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust. They work hard to keep it a safe home for many plants and animals.
Contents
What Makes Greywell Fen Special?
Greywell Fen is a type of wetland called a "calcareous fen." This means the soil has a lot of calcium in it, which is important for certain plants to grow. The site is about 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) long.
Different Habitats at Greywell Fen
Greywell Fen has a mix of different natural areas:
- Wet Grassland: A large part of the fen is wet grassland. This area is often grazed by cattle, which helps keep the grass at the right height for various plants and insects.
- Carr Woodland: There's also a smaller area of "carr woodland." This is a type of wet woodland that grows in waterlogged soil, often with trees like willow and alder.
- Fen: The fen itself is a unique wetland habitat. It's fed by groundwater that has passed through chalk or limestone, making it rich in minerals.
Amazing Plants You Can Find
The special conditions at Greywell Fen allow many interesting plants to thrive. In the meadows, you might spot beautiful flowers like:
- Cowslip: A bright yellow flower that looks like a bunch of tiny bells.
- Dyer's Greenweed: A plant with small yellow flowers, historically used to make yellow dye.
- Pepper-saxifrage: A plant with clusters of white flowers, known for its peppery taste.
These plants are important for the insects and other creatures that live in the fen.
Protecting Greywell Fen
Greywell Fen is recognized as a Grade 2 site in the Nature Conservation Review. This means it's one of the most important places in the country for nature conservation. The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust plays a key role in managing Greywell Moors. They ensure the habitat remains healthy for all the wildlife that calls Greywell Fen home. This protection helps keep these special natural areas safe for future generations to enjoy.
