List of Sites of Special Scientific Interest in the West Midlands facts for kids
The West Midlands is home to 23 special places called Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs). These sites are like nature's VIP areas, protected because they have unique plants, animals, or amazing geological features (like cool rocks and landforms). As of 2008, 11 of these sites were chosen for their plants and animals, 9 for their geology, and 3 for both.
Contents
Protecting Nature: What are SSSIs?
SSSIs are super important places in England where nature is protected. They are chosen because they have rare or special plants, animals, or interesting rocks and landforms.
Who Protects SSSIs?
Natural England is the group in charge of finding and protecting SSSIs. They look for places with special wildlife or geology. Natural England started in 2006. Before that, another group called English Nature did this job. They make sure these special places are looked after for everyone to enjoy.
Why are SSSIs Important?
These sites help protect England's natural heritage. They are like outdoor classrooms where scientists can study nature. They also provide safe homes for many different kinds of plants and animals.
The West Midlands: A Special Place
The West Midlands is a very busy area in England. It is the second largest group of cities and towns in the UK, after Greater London. Over 2.6 million people live here.
Cities and Landscape
The county includes three big cities: Wolverhampton, Birmingham, and Coventry. Even though it is very populated, the West Midlands has some interesting natural features. It is mostly high ground, known as the Birmingham Plateau. This area also has a natural line that divides water, sending it to either the River Severn or the River Trent.
Green Spaces in the City
The main natural areas here are heathland, woodland, and grassland. You can find these habitats even in the middle of cities!
Between the main West Midlands cities and Coventry, there is a special area of green land called the "Meriden Gap". It is about 15 kilometres (9 miles) wide and feels very rural. Many SSSIs, like Berkswell Marsh, are found here.
Another important green space is between Birmingham, Walsall, and West Bromwich. This includes Sutton Park in Sutton Coldfield. Sutton Park is a huge park, covering about 9 square kilometres (3.5 square miles). It is one of the biggest urban parks in Europe and is both an SSSI and a national nature reserve.
Special Sites in the West Midlands
Here is a list of the Sites of Special Scientific Interest in the West Midlands. Each one is special for its own reasons, whether it is for its amazing wildlife, unique plants, or interesting rocks and landforms.
| Site Name | Why it's Special | Size | Location (Grid Reference) | Year Named | Map | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plants & Animals | Rocks & Landforms | Hectares | Acres | ||||
| Berkswell Marsh |  |
7.5 | 18.5 | SP228798 | 1991 | Map | |
| Bickenhill Meadows | |
7.2 | 17.8 | SP182822 & SP188816 | 1991 | Map | |
| Brewin's Canal Section | |
1.34 | 3.3 | SO936876 | 1990 | Map | |
| Bromsgrove Road Cutting | |
0.2 | 0.5 | SO971835 | 1990 | Map | |
| Clayhanger | |
23.8 | 58.8 | SK034045 | 1986 | Map | |
| Daw End Railway Cutting | |
8.1 | 20.9 | SK035002 | 1986 | Map | |
| Doulton's Claypit | |
3.3 | 8.2 | SO936870 | 1986 | Map | |
| Edgbaston Pool | |
15.6 | 38.5 | SP054841 | 1986 | Map | |
| Fens Pools | |
37.6 | 92.9 | SO920886 | 1989 | Map | |
| Hay Head Quarry | |
5.8 | 14.3 | SP048987 | 1986 | Map | |
| Herald Way Marsh | |
|
10.6 | 26.2 | SP380769 | 1988 | Map |
| Illey Pastures | |
3.5 | 8.6 | SO977812 | 1989 | Map | |
| Jockey Fields | |
18.05 | 44.5 | SK041030 | 1994 | Map | |
| Ketley Claypit | |
13.7 | 33.9 | SO898888 | 1990 | Map | |
| Monkspath Meadow | |
1.2 | 3.0 | SP145763 | 1986 | Map | |
| River Blythe | |
|
102.2 | 252.5 | SP109729–SP212916 | 1989 | Map |
| Stubbers Green Bog | |
3.0 | 7.4 | SK046016 | 1986 | Map | |
| Sutton Park | |
866.1 | 2,140.1 | SP098974 | 1987 | Map | |
| Swan Pool & The Swag | |
5.7 | 14.0 | SK040019 | 1986 | Map | |
| Tile Hill Wood | |
|
29.4 | 72.6 | SP279790 | 1986 | Map |
| Turner's Hill | |
1.5 | 3.7 | SO909918 | 1989 | Map | |
| Webster's Claypit | |
0.3 | 0.8 | SP340805 | 1986 | Map | |
| Wren's Nest | |
34.1 | 84.3 | SO937920 | 1990 | Map | |
See Also
- List of SSSIs by Area of Search
- List of Sites of Special Scientific Interest in Warwickshire
- List of Sites of Special Scientific Interest in Staffordshire
- List of conservation areas in the West Midlands
