Mid Colne Valley facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
Korda Lake
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| Area of Search | Greater London Buckinghamshire |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 132.0 hectares |
| Notification | 1985 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
The Mid Colne Valley is a special natural area covering 132 hectares. It is located in Harefield in London and Denham in Buckinghamshire. This area is important because it is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means it has rare wildlife or geology. The Mid Colne Valley is especially known for its many different kinds of birds. These birds live in lakes that were once gravel pits.
This special site is split into three main parts. Most of it is around four lakes. The River Colne is on the west side, and the Grand Union Canal is on the east. The River Colne forms the border between London and Buckinghamshire. West of the river in Denham, there is a small wooded area called Ranston Covert. The site also includes a field called Coppermill Down, which is east of the canal.
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Broadwater Lake: A Home for Wildlife
The biggest part of the Mid Colne Valley SSSI is called Broadwater Lake. This area is also part of the larger Colne Valley regional park. The lakes here were made by digging for sand and gravel between the 1960s and 1980s.
South of Broadwater Lake is Korda Lake. North of Korda Lake is Harefield Lake, which is next to the Grand Union Canal. Close to Harefield Lake and the river is Long Pond. Broadwater Lake itself is huge, covering 80 hectares. That's more than half of the entire SSSI! Experts from Natural England say this area is in a "favourable" condition, meaning it is healthy and well-managed.
Korda Lake, Long Pond, the River Colne, and the western side of Broadwater Lake together form the Broadwater Lake nature reserve. This reserve is looked after by the Hertfordshire and Middlesex Wildlife Trust. Harefield Lake is private land. Sometimes, sand and gravel washing can cause problems like "silting." This is when fine dirt builds up in the water. Natural England is working to make sure this does not harm the lake. People can fish in the lakes, but not between March 15 and June 15. This rule helps protect the wildlife during important breeding times.
Birds of Broadwater Lake
Broadwater Lake is special because it has many small islands. These islands are perfect for birds to nest and raise their young. Many different water birds also come here in winter.
Some of the important winter birds found here include:
The number of gadwall ducks here is very important on an international level. The River Colne is also a key place for bats, especially Daubenton's bats. The area also has very old woodlands. You can visit this area from Moorhall Road, near the Colne River bridge.
Ranston Covert: A Buckinghamshire Woodland
Ranston Covert is the only part of the Mid Colne Valley SSSI that is in Buckinghamshire. It used to be its own separate SSSI. This area is 26 hectares of woodland and scrubland. It is located between the River Colne and Denham Way. Many different kinds of birds breed here. Experts say this area is also in a "favourable" condition.
Coppermill Down: A Rare Grassland
The SSSI also includes a 6-hectare field called Coppermill Down. This field is east of the Grand Union Canal. It is one of the few remaining examples of "unimproved chalk grassland" in London. This means the grass has not been changed by farming or chemicals.
This field is famous for its special flowers, like the pyramidal orchid and the bee orchid. In 2011, experts noted that the field was "unfavourable declining." This was because there was not enough grazing by animals. Grazing helps keep the right balance of plants. A footpath crosses this field, connecting Jacks Lane and Park Lane.
High Speed 2 Railway Project
There is a plan to build a new high-speed railway called High Speed 2. If built, this railway would cross a small part of the Mid Colne Valley site on a bridge. Natural England has said that this could cause a serious loss of old woodland. It could also have a bad effect on Broadwater Lake.
Images for kids
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Korda Lake
