Gunton Park Lake facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
 |
|
| Area of Search | Norfolk |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 18.3 hectares (45 acres) |
| Notification | 1986 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Gunton Park Lake is a very special place in Norfolk, England. It's a large lake, about 18.3 hectares (45 acres), which is roughly the size of 45 football fields! This lake was created by people many years ago by building a dam across a small stream called Hagon Beck. It's known for being a fantastic home for many different kinds of birds, especially ducks and geese.
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What Makes Gunton Park Lake Special?
Gunton Park Lake is officially recognized as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means it's a protected area because it has rare wildlife, plants, or geological features. The lake was given this special status in 1986 because of the amazing number of birds that visit it.
A Home for Many Birds
This artificial lake is super important for birds, especially a type of duck called the gadwall. It's famous for having the largest group of gadwall ducks in Britain after they've finished breeding. Sometimes, in September, more than 500 of these ducks can be seen gathered at the lake!
Winter Visitors
When winter arrives, many other types of wildfowl (water birds) come to Gunton Park Lake to find food and shelter. These winter visitors include:
- Teal: These are small, fast-flying ducks.
- Mallard: You've probably seen these common ducks with their shiny green heads (males) and brown bodies.
- Shoveler: These ducks have a unique, large, spoon-shaped bill that they use to filter food from the water.
- Shelduck: These are large, colorful ducks that look a bit like geese.
- Goosander: These diving ducks have long, thin bills and are great at catching fish.
Visiting Gunton Park Lake
It's important to know that Gunton Park Lake is on private land. This means there is no public access to the lake. The protection of this site helps keep it a safe and undisturbed home for all the wonderful birds and other wildlife that live there.
