Heath Lake facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
 |
|
| Area of Search | Berkshire |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 6.0 hectares (15 acres) |
| Notification | 1989 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Heath Lake is a really special place for nature in Berkshire, England. It's a large lake and surrounding area that is protected because of its unique plants and animals. This area is known as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), which means it's one of the best places in the country for wildlife.
The lake itself is about 6 hectares (that's like 15 football fields!) and is mostly shallow, less than 1 meter deep. It's special because it's an acid lake, which means its water has a slightly acidic level. This allows certain rare plants to grow here that can't survive in other lakes. The land around the lake includes marshy areas, woodlands, and open grassy spots. It's a great place to explore nature!
Heath Lake is also part of a larger area called the Heathlake Local Nature Reserve. This whole reserve is managed by Wokingham District Council to help protect the environment and allow people to enjoy nature. You can visit Heath Lake by using the access point from Nine Mile Ride.
Contents
Animals of Heath Lake
Heath Lake is home to many different kinds of animals, from birds flying overhead to tiny insects buzzing around. These creatures find food, shelter, and places to raise their young here.
Birds and Their Life Cycles
Many birds love to visit or live at Heath Lake, especially those that enjoy water. You might spot some of these amazing birds:
- Cormorant
- Heron
- Mallard
- Great crested grebe
- Tufted duck
- Common kingfisher
- Coot
- Moorhen
These birds use the lake for fishing, swimming, and building their nests. It's a busy place for them!
Insects and Their Reproduction
The lake and its surrounding areas are also perfect for many insects, especially dragonflies. These insects often lay their eggs in the water. Look out for these cool creatures:
- Brown hawker (a type of dragonfly)
- Common darter (another dragonfly)
- Black-tailed skimmer (a dragonfly with a dark tail)
These insects are important parts of the lake's food web.
Plants of Heath Lake
The unique conditions at Heath Lake, especially its slightly acidic water, allow many special plants to grow here. These plants make the lake a very important place for nature.
Trees and Their Growth
Around the lake, you'll find different types of trees that provide homes and food for animals. Some of the trees you might see include:
- Scots pine
- Oak
- Rowan
- Crab apple
- Guelder-rose
- Alder buckthorn
- Salix purpurea (a type of willow)
Water and Wetland Plants
The most unique plants at Heath Lake are those that thrive in or near the water. The lake is especially famous for its rare water plants. Here are just a few examples of the many interesting plants found here:
- Myriophyllum alterniflorum (also known as alternate water-milfoil)
- Elatine hexandra (six-stamened waterwort)
- Eleogiton fluitans
- Littorella uniflora (shore-weed)
- Ranunculus flammula (lesser spearwort)
- Hydrocotyle vulgaris (marsh pennywort)
- Molinia caerulea (purple moor-grass)
- Erica tetralix (cross-leaved heath)
- Pilularia globulifera (pillwort)
- Calluna vulgaris (heather)
These plants create a beautiful and important habitat for all the animals living at Heath Lake.
Images for kids
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A view of Heath Lake, showing its calm waters and surrounding trees.
