Hedgecourt facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
 |
|
| Area of Search | Surrey |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 33.6 hectares (83 acres) |
| Notification | 1986 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Hedgecourt is a very special natural area located west of Felbridge in Surrey, England. It's officially known as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) because it's a fantastic home for many important plants and animals. This amazing place covers about 33.6-hectare (83-acre) of land. A smaller part, about 5-hectare (12-acre), is carefully looked after by the Surrey Wildlife Trust, an organization dedicated to protecting wildlife.
What Makes Hedgecourt Special?
Hedgecourt is a "biological" SSSI. This means it's important because of the living things found there, like plants, animals, and fungi. It's not just one type of place; it has a mix of different natural areas, called habitats. These habitats include a lake, wet marshy areas (called fen), open grassy fields (grassland), and areas with lots of trees (woodland).
Hedgecourt Lake: An Ancient Watery Home
The main feature of Hedgecourt is its beautiful lake, known as Hedgecourt Lake. This isn't a natural lake that formed on its own. It's actually a very old mill pond. A mill pond is a lake created by people a long time ago by building a wall, called a dam, across a river or stream. In this case, the dam was built across the Eden Brook. The water held back by the dam would have been used to power a watermill, perhaps for grinding grain.
Today, Hedgecourt Lake is a peaceful home for many creatures. Its calm waters and surrounding areas are perfect for different kinds of birds, especially those that love wetlands.
Amazing Wildlife at Hedgecourt
Hedgecourt is a great place for birdwatching! Many wetland birds come here to breed and raise their young. These birds need wet, marshy areas and open water to find food and build their nests.
Some of the cool birds you might spot at Hedgecourt include:
- Water rail: A shy bird that hides in the reeds. You might hear its pig-like squeal before you see it!
- Mute swan: These large, graceful white birds are often seen gliding across the lake.
- Sedge warbler: A small, active bird known for its loud, chattering song, often heard near watery plants.
- Kingfisher: A stunning bird with bright blue and orange feathers, often seen darting quickly over the water to catch fish.
- Tufted duck: A diving duck with a distinctive crest of feathers on its head.
Besides birds, the different habitats at Hedgecourt support many other types of wildlife, from insects and amphibians to small mammals. Protecting these varied habitats helps all these creatures thrive.
