Hamford Water facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
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| Area of Search | Essex |
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| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 2,185.8 hectares (5,401 acres) |
| Notification | 1986 |
| Location map |  |
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Designations
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| Official name: Hamford Water | |
| Designated: | 8 June 1993 |
|---|---|
| Reference #: | 607 |
Hamford Water is a special natural area located in Essex, England. It's a large tidal inlet, which means it's a part of the sea that reaches inland and is affected by tides. This amazing place covers about 2,185 hectares, which is like 3,000 football fields! It's full of different habitats such as marsh grasslands, creeks, mudflats, sandflats, salt marshes, islands, and beaches.
Hamford Water is super important for wildlife. It's known around the world for its many birds, especially during breeding season and winter. It's also home to some rare plants and lots of small creatures.
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Discover Hamford Water
Hamford Water is a unique natural harbour found between the towns of Walton-on-the-Naze and Harwich in Essex. It's a beautiful example of a tidal inlet, where the sea flows in and out, creating a rich environment.
This area is made up of many different landscapes. You can find wide-open mud and sand flats, which are perfect for birds to find food. There are also salt marshes, which are grassy areas that get covered by the sea at high tide. These different parts make Hamford Water a fantastic home for a huge variety of plants and animals.
Amazing Wildlife
Hamford Water is a true paradise for wildlife, especially birds. It's recognized internationally for its importance to many bird species.
Birds of Hamford Water
Many birds come to Hamford Water to breed or to spend the winter. It's a vital spot for little terns, which are small seabirds that nest on beaches. In winter, thousands of dark-bellied brent geese fly here from colder places to feed. You can also spot many other types of wildfowl (like ducks and swans) and waders (birds that feed in shallow water). This makes Hamford Water a top spot for birdwatching!
Plants and Other Creatures
Besides birds, Hamford Water is home to some rare plants. These include hog's fennel and slender hare's-ear. These plants are special because they don't grow in many other places.
The mud and sand flats are full of tiny creatures that birds love to eat. These include different types of worms and thin-shelled molluscs, which are small sea snails or clams. These small animals are a key part of the food chain in this wetland environment.
Special Protections
Hamford Water is so important that it has several special protections. These designations help to make sure the area and its wildlife are kept safe for the future.
Site of Special Scientific Interest
Since 1986, Hamford Water has been a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means it's one of the best places in the country for its wildlife or geology. Natural England, a government body, says it's "of international importance" for its birds.
Other Important Designations
Hamford Water is also recognized in other ways:
- It's a Ramsar site, which means it's a wetland of international importance, especially for water birds. It became a Ramsar site in 1993.
- It's a Special Protection Area (SPA), which protects important bird habitats under European law.
- It's a Nature Conservation Review site, highlighting its importance for nature.
- Most of the area is also a National Nature Reserve, which means it's one of the most important places for nature in the UK.
Exploring Hamford Water
There are parts of Hamford Water that you can explore. The largest island in the area is called Horsey Island. It's quite unique because you can actually walk to it from Kirby-le-Soken when the tide is low. This path is known as The Wade.
Some parts of Hamford Water are looked after by local wildlife groups. Two small areas, Skippers Island and John Weston Nature Reserve, are managed by the Essex Wildlife Trust. They work hard to protect these places and the animals that live there.
A small part of what was once Bramble Island (now connected to the mainland) is used by a company called Exchem for industrial activities.
Hamford Water in Books
Did you know that Hamford Water inspired a famous children's book? The author Arthur Ransome used this area as the setting for his novel "Secret Water". It's a story about children exploring islands and creeks, much like the real Hamford Water!
