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Holme Moor & Clean Moor facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
| Area of Search | Somerset |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 51°01′34″N 3°17′23″W / 51.0261°N 3.2898°W |
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 10.8 hectares (0.108 km2; 0.042 sq mi) |
| Notification | 1987 |
Holme Moor & Clean Moor is a special natural area in Somerset, England. It covers about 10.8 hectares, which is roughly the size of 20 football fields. This site is officially known as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, or SSSI for short. It was given this important title in 1987.
Being an SSSI means this area is protected because of its unique plants and wildlife. It's a place where scientists study nature. It helps to keep rare habitats safe for future generations.
Contents
What Makes Holme Moor & Clean Moor Special?
Holme Moor and Clean Moor are unique because they have lots of different natural areas. These areas all share one thing: they have very high water levels. This means the ground is often wet or even covered in water.
Wet Habitats and Rare Plants
The high water levels create perfect homes for certain plants. You can find swamps here, which are like wet forests. There are also "calcareous flushes." These are wet, boggy spots where water rich in minerals bubbles up from the ground. These types of plant communities are very rare in Somerset.
Marshy Grasslands and Woodlands
Besides swamps and flushes, the site also has marshy grasslands. These are fields that are often damp and squishy. There are also areas of broadleaved semi-natural woodland. This means forests with trees that have wide, flat leaves, like oak or beech. These woods have grown mostly on their own, without much human interference.
The Amazing Marsh-marigold
One of the most interesting plants you'll see here is the Marsh-marigold. Its scientific name is Caltha palustris. This plant is quite common in the wet areas of Holme Moor & Clean Moor. It has bright yellow flowers that look a bit like buttercups. They often bloom in spring, adding a splash of color to the landscape.
Why is This Area Protected?
Holme Moor & Clean Moor is protected to keep its special habitats safe. These habitats are home to many different kinds of plants and animals. Some of these species might be rare or endangered. Protecting places like this helps to keep our natural world healthy. It also allows scientists to learn more about these unique environments.