Lakenheath Warren facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
 |
|
| Area of Search | Suffolk |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 588.3 hectares |
| Notification | 1986 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Lakenheath Warren is a very special natural area in Suffolk, England. It covers a huge space of 588.3 hectares. This site is officially known as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means it's protected because it's important for its plants, animals, or geology.
Lakenheath Warren is also a top-ranked site for nature. It's part of the Breckland Special Area of Conservation and the Breckland Special Protection Area. These are important protections from the European Union. They help to keep the area safe for its unique habitats and wild birds.
Contents
Lakenheath Warren: A Unique Place
This area is the biggest piece of natural heathland left in the Breckland region. Heathland is a type of open land with small shrubs and grasses. It's a rare and important habitat.
Why is Lakenheath Warren Special?
Lakenheath Warren is home to many amazing living things. You can find several types of rare lichens and plants here. Lichens are tiny living things that grow on rocks and trees. The site also has over fifty different kinds of birds that come here to breed. This means many bird families start their lives at Lakenheath Warren.
A Look Back in Time
For hundreds of years, Lakenheath Warren has been used by people. From the 1200s, it was a place where sheep grazed. It was also used as a "rabbit warren." This means it was a place where rabbits were raised for food. This use continued right up until the Second World War.
Visiting Lakenheath Warren
Part of Lakenheath Warren is known as common land. This means that people have a right to visit and enjoy certain parts of this special natural area. It's a great place to explore and see nature up close.
