List of Sites of Special Scientific Interest in Cumbria facts for kids
Cumbria, a county in England, is home to many special natural places called Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs). These sites are chosen because they have unique plants, animals, rocks, or landforms.
Contents
What are Sites of Special Scientific Interest?
SSSIs are like nature's VIP areas! They are places that are protected by law because they are so important for wildlife, geology (the study of rocks and Earth's history), or both.
Why are these places special?
These sites are chosen for a few key reasons:
- Biological interest: This means they are important for living things, like rare plants, animals, or special habitats where many different species live.
- Geological interest: This means they are important for understanding the Earth's history. They might have special rocks, fossils, or landforms that show how our planet has changed over millions of years.
Who looks after these sites?
In England, the job of finding and protecting SSSIs belongs to an organization called Natural England. They work to make sure these amazing places are kept safe for everyone to enjoy and for nature to thrive.
Cumbria's Amazing Natural Places
Cumbria is a truly special place, known for its stunning landscapes. It includes the entire Lake District National Park, which is famous for its mountains and lakes.
How many special sites are in Cumbria?
As of July 2012, Cumbria had 278 SSSIs! That's a lot of protected natural beauty.
- 70 of these sites are special just for their geology.
- 170 are special just for their biology (plants and animals).
- A further 38 sites are important for both their geology and their biology.
What makes Cumbria so unique?
Besides the famous Lake District, Cumbria also has parts of three other beautiful areas:
- The Solway Coast
- Part of Arnside and Silverdale
- Part of the North Pennines
These areas add to Cumbria's incredible natural variety and are home to many SSSIs.
Protecting Nature in Cumbria
The SSSIs in Cumbria help protect a wide range of natural features.
Plants and Animals: Biological SSSIs
Many SSSIs in Cumbria are protected because of their amazing wildlife. These can be places where rare birds nest, where unique insects live, or where special types of plants grow that aren't found in many other places. Protecting these areas helps keep these living things safe for the future.
Rocks and Landforms: Geological SSSIs
Other SSSIs are like open-air museums for rocks and landforms. They show us how glaciers carved out valleys, how ancient seas left behind layers of rock, or where important fossils can be found. These sites are crucial for scientists to study Earth's past.
Sites with Both!
Some of the most exciting SSSIs in Cumbria are special for both their living creatures and their geological features. Imagine a valley with unique rock formations that also provides a home for rare plants and animals! These sites offer a complete picture of nature's wonders.
See also
- List of Regionally Important Geological / Geomorphological Sites (RIGS) in Cumbria
