Holborough to Burham Marshes facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
 |
|
| Area of Search | Kent |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 149.8 hectares (370 acres) |
| Notification | 1990 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Holborough to Burham Marshes is a very important natural area in Kent, England. It covers about 150 hectares, which is like 370 football fields! This special place is known as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means it has rare plants, animals, or unique land features that need to be protected.
The Kent Wildlife Trust helps look after Holborough Marshes and Burham Marsh. They work hard to keep these areas healthy for all the wildlife that lives there.
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What Makes Holborough to Burham Marshes Special?
This amazing area is located in the River Medway's tidal flood plain. A flood plain is a flat area of land next to a river that can sometimes get covered with water when the river overflows. Being "tidal" means the water levels here can change with the ocean's tides.
A Home for Many Creatures
The marshes are home to many different types of natural environments, called habitats. These include:
- Reedbeds: Areas filled with tall grasses called reeds.
- Fen: A type of wetland with lots of special plants.
- Grassland: Open areas covered in grass.
- Woodland: Sections with trees and bushes.
- Scrub: Areas with small trees and shrubs.
There's also a flooded gravel pit, which is like a big pond. All these different habitats mean many different animals can live here.
Amazing Animals You Might Find
The flooded gravel pit is a favorite spot for wintering wildfowl. These are birds like ducks and geese that fly here to spend the colder months.
The marshes are also home to some very rare insects. Scientists have found five different kinds of rare invertebrates here. Invertebrates are animals without a backbone, like insects, spiders, and worms. Three of these rare invertebrates are types of bees! Protecting their home helps these important creatures survive.
Exploring the Marshes
If you love nature, you're in luck! You can visit parts of Holborough Marshes. It's a great place to explore and see some of the amazing wildlife and plants that call this special area home. Remember to always respect nature when you visit!
