Lymington and Keyhaven Marshes facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lymington and Keyhaven Marshes |
|
|---|---|
Keyhaven Marshes
|
|
| Type | Nature reserve |
| Location | Lymington, Hampshire |
| OS grid | SZ318927 |
| Area | 738 hectares (1,820 acres) |
| Managed by | Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust |
The Lymington and Keyhaven Marshes is a special place in Hampshire, England. It is a large nature reserve, covering about 738 hectares (that's over 1,800 acres!). This amazing area stretches along the south coast from Keyhaven and goes across the Lymington River.
It is looked after by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust. They work hard to protect the plants and animals that live here.
Contents
What Makes This Place Special?
Lymington and Keyhaven Marshes is very important for nature. It is part of a bigger area called the Solent and Southampton Water. This whole area is recognized internationally as a Ramsar site. Ramsar sites are wetlands that are super important for birds and other wildlife.
It is also a Special Protection Area (SPA). This means it's a safe home for many kinds of birds, especially those that migrate or are rare. Some parts of the marshes are also called Special Areas of Conservation (SACs). These areas protect special habitats and species.
The marshes are also part of the Hurst Castle and Lymington River Estuary. This is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). SSSIs are places in the UK that have special wildlife, geology, or landforms.
Amazing Wildlife
This coastal area is a mix of salty marshes and muddy areas that are covered and uncovered by the tide. These habitats are perfect for many different creatures.
Birds of the Marshes
You can spot many exciting birds here. Birds of prey, like the fast peregrine falcon, the graceful marsh harrier, and the small but mighty merlin, hunt over the marshes.
Other birds, such as black-headed gulls and sandwich terns, fly over the water. They dive down to catch fish in the shallow marsh waters. These birds rely on the rich food sources found here.
Plants of the Saltmarsh
The salty muds and waters are home to unique plants. These plants are specially adapted to grow in salty conditions. You might see bright yellow-horned poppies, pretty sea campions, and lovely sea asters. They add splashes of color to the marsh landscape.
Visiting the Marshes
It is important to know that there is no public access directly into the Lymington and Keyhaven Marshes nature reserve itself. This helps to keep the area undisturbed for the wildlife. However, you can often see parts of the marshes from nearby public footpaths and viewing points. This allows you to enjoy the beauty and wildlife from a distance.
