Minsmere–Walberswick Heaths and Marshes facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
Dingle Marshes, part of the Minsmere–Walberswick Heaths and Marshes SSSI
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| Area of Search | Suffolk |
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| Coordinates | 52°15′22″N 1°37′01″E / 52.256°N 1.617°E |
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 2,325.89 hectares (23 km2; 9.0 sq mi) |
| Notification | 1993 |
Minsmere–Walberswick Heaths and Marshes is a very special place in Suffolk, England. It's on the coast by the North Sea, stretching about 7 miles (11 km) long. This area is protected because it's home to many different kinds of wildlife and plants. It has a mix of marshes, tall reed beds, shingle beaches, and open heathland.
This important area is known as a Special Area of Conservation and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It's also a Special Protection Area for birds and a Ramsar site for wetlands. All these titles mean it's a really important place for nature, both in the UK and across Europe. It's also part of the beautiful Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
What Makes This Area Special?
Minsmere–Walberswick Heaths and Marshes covers a huge area of about 2,326 hectares (about 9 square miles). It's actually made up of several smaller protected areas that have been joined together. This large site stretches from Hen Reedbeds and Southwold Common in the north, past Walberswick and Dunwich, all the way to Westleton, Minsmere, and Eastbridge near the Sizewell nuclear power stations.
Home to Nature Reserves
This special place includes several well-known nature reserves. These are areas managed to protect wildlife and habitats.
- The Suffolk Coast National Nature Reserve has parts here, like Hen Reedbeds, Walberswick, and Dingle Marshes.
- Dunwich Heath is a beautiful area managed by the National Trust.
- The famous Minsmere RSPB reserve is also part of this site. The RSPB is a charity that protects birds.
- The Suffolk Wildlife Trust manages two nature reserves here: Dingle Marshes and Hen Reedbeds.
A Special Area for Conservation
A large part of Minsmere–Walberswick is called a Special Area of Conservation (SAC). This section is about 1,265 hectares (nearly 5 square miles). It stretches from south of the River Blyth at Walberswick down to Westleton and Minsmere.
This SAC includes the Minsmere RSPB reserve and the marshes next to the Minsmere River. It's important because it has a variety of habitats, including open heathland and unique plants that grow on shingle beaches. These habitats are home to many rare and important species.
