Leiston - Aldeburgh facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
The Haven Local Nature Reserve
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| Area of Search | Suffolk |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 534.8 hectares |
| Notification | 1999 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Leiston - Aldeburgh is a very special natural area in Suffolk, England. It covers a huge space of 534.8 hectares, which is about the size of 1,300 football fields! This amazing place stretches between the towns of Aldeburgh and Leiston. It is officially known as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means it is protected because it has rare plants, animals, or important natural features.
This area is home to many different types of habitats. You can find open water, wet marshy areas called fen, grassy spots, bushes, woodlands, and even sandy heathland. There are also unique shingle beaches with plants growing on them. Because of all these different places, many kinds of birds live here. Some breed their young here, while others visit for the winter. You can also spot lots of dragonflies and rare plants like mossy stonecrop and clustered clover.
What Makes This Place Special?
This site is important for many reasons. Part of it is called The Haven, Aldeburgh Local Nature Reserve. This is a special area managed for wildlife and for people to enjoy nature. Another part is the North Warren nature reserve, run by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB). The RSPB is a charity that works to protect birds and their habitats.
Ancient History
There is also a very old bowl barrow on Aldringham Common within the site. A bowl barrow is a type of ancient burial mound. It looks like a large, round hill. This barrow is a Scheduled Monument. This means it is an important historical site protected by law.
Protected Landscapes
Leiston - Aldeburgh is part of even bigger protected areas. It is inside the Sandlings Special Protection Area. This area is protected under a special rule called the Birds Directive. This rule helps to conserve wild birds across Europe. The site is also part of the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. These areas are recognized for their beautiful landscapes and are protected to keep them special.
