Hythe to Calshot Marshes facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
Calshot Marshes
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| Area of Search | Hampshire |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 591.8 hectares (1,462 acres) |
| Notification | 1984 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
The Hythe to Calshot Marshes is a very special natural area. It covers about 591.8 hectares (1,462 acres) of land. This important place stretches along the western side of Southampton Water. You can find it between Calshot and Marchwood in Hampshire, England.
This area is protected because it is a home for many plants and animals. It includes saltmarshes and mudflats. These habitats are super important for birds, especially during winter.
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What is Hythe to Calshot Marshes?
Hythe to Calshot Marshes is known as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means it's one of the best places in the country for wildlife. It has been officially recognized since 1984.
The site is also part of bigger protected areas. These include the Solent and Southampton Water Ramsar site. A Ramsar site is a wetland of international importance. It is also a Special Protection Area (SPA) for birds. This means it's a key place for rare or migrating birds.
A Special Place for Nature
The marshes are also part of the Solent Maritime Special Area of Conservation (SAC). This type of area protects important habitats and species. It helps keep nature healthy for the future.
Within this larger area, you'll find smaller protected spots. Calshot Marshes is a Local Nature Reserve. This means it's protected and managed by local authorities. Hythe Spartina Marsh is another nature reserve. It is looked after by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust.
A Home for Amazing Birds
The saltmarshes and mudflats here are like a giant restaurant for birds. They provide food and shelter for many different species. These areas are especially important in winter. Thousands of birds fly here to escape colder places.
Winter Visitors
Many types of wading birds and wildfowl visit the marshes. Waders are birds that walk through shallow water to find food. Wildfowl are water birds like ducks and geese.
Some of the birds you might see include the black-tailed godwit. You might also spot the grey plover and the dunlin. These birds come in large numbers.
International Importance
The site is super important for dark-bellied brent geese. More than 1% of the world's population of these geese comes here. This makes Hythe to Calshot Marshes an internationally important spot for them.
The mud and water here are full of tiny creatures. These are called invertebrates. They live in the "benthic zone," which is the bottom of the water. These invertebrates are the main food source for the birds. They include worms, snails, and small crustaceans.
