Norfolk Coast AONB facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Norfolk Coast |
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The Norfolk Coast east of Cromer
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Location of the Norfolk Coast AONB in the UK
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| Location | Norfolk, England |
| Established | 1968 |
The Norfolk Coast is a truly special place in Norfolk, England. It's known as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). This means it's a protected landscape because of its amazing natural beauty.
This area stretches for over 450 square kilometers (that's about 174 square miles!). It includes beautiful coastlines and farmland. You can find it from The Wash in the west, all the way through coastal marshes and cliffs, to the sandy Winterton Dunes in the east. The Norfolk Coast was officially made an AONB in 1968. This happened under a law called the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949.
Exploring the Norfolk Coast
The Norfolk Coast AONB includes several well-known towns and villages. These include Hunstanton, Wells-next-the-Sea, Blakeney, Sheringham, Cromer, and Mundesley. The protected area extends out to sea, reaching the average low water mark. This is the boundary for local planning rules.
Behind the coast, the land is gently rolling. It's made up of chalk and material left behind by ancient glaciers, called moraine. One impressive feature is the Cromer Ridge, which is almost 90 meters (300 feet) high!
Amazing Nature and Wildlife
The Norfolk Coast is home to many important nature spots. There are two National Nature Reserves here: Blakeney Point and the Winterton Dunes. The Winterton Dunes are considered one of the best dune systems in the whole country!
A large part of the AONB is also a Heritage Coast. This means it's a special area recognized for its natural beauty and importance. It's also a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This protects its wildlife and geology. On top of that, it's a candidate Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and a Special Protection Area (SPA). These are European protections for important habitats and birds.
If you love walking, you'll be happy to know that the Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path National Trail goes right through the AONB. It's a great way to see the stunning scenery!
Protecting the Coast from Change
The Norfolk Coast faces some challenges, especially from the sea. East of Weybourne, the coastline is experiencing serious coastal erosion. This means the land is slowly being worn away by the sea.
As sea levels continue to rise, a strategy called "managed retreat" might be used in many parts of the North Norfolk coast. This means allowing the coastline to naturally move inland in certain areas, rather than trying to build strong defenses everywhere. It's a way to work with nature to protect important habitats and communities in the long term.
