Millwater facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
| Area of Search | Somerset |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 50°53′12″N 2°47′56″W / 50.88675°N 2.79890°W |
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 1.4 hectares (0.014 km2; 0.0054 sq mi) |
| Notification | 1989 |
Millwater is a special natural area in Somerset, England. It's about 1.4 hectares (or 3.5 acres) big. This place was officially recognized in 1989 as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. This means it's a very important spot for nature, especially for its plants and animals.
What Makes Millwater Special?
Millwater is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This title is given to places that are important for their wildlife, geology, or landforms. These sites are protected by law. This helps to keep their special features safe for the future.
Diverse Habitats
Millwater has many different types of natural areas. You can find grassy fields (called pasture) and wet grasslands. There are also areas called 'tall-herb fen,' which are like marshy meadows with tall plants. The site also has still water, like ponds, and running water, like streams. You can also find 'carr,' which are wet woodlands with trees like alder and willow. This mix of habitats makes Millwater a home for many different creatures.
Amazing Animals at Millwater
Scientists have studied the animals at Millwater very closely. They have recorded a huge number of different invertebrates (animals without backbones, like insects and spiders). Between 1978 and 1988, an amazing 1,744 species were found here! Many of these species are quite rare in the rest of the country. This shows how important Millwater is for protecting these tiny creatures.
Bird Life
Millwater is also a great place for birds. Seventy-six different types of birds have been seen at the site. Of these, twenty-eight species are known to build their nests and raise their young here. Some of these breeding birds are very typical of wet, reedy areas. These include the sedge warbler (Acrocephalus schoenobaenus), the reed warbler (Acrocephalus scirpaceus), and the reed bunting (Emberiza schoeniclus). These birds love to live among the tall plants and trees found in the fen and carr areas.
