North Solent facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
 |
|
| Area of Search | Hampshire |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological Geological |
| Area | 1,186.7 hectares (2,932 acres) |
| Notification | 1990 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
North Solent is a very special natural area in Hampshire, England. It covers a huge space of about 1,186.7 hectares (2,932 acres) (that's like 2,932 football fields!). This important place is found along the northern side of Solent, which is a strait of water separating the Isle of Wight from mainland England. It stretches between two places called East End and Calshot.
Contents
North Solent: A Special Place for Nature
What Makes North Solent Special?
North Solent is known as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means it's a protected area because of its amazing wildlife, plants, or geology. It was officially recognized as an SSSI in 1990.
Part of North Solent is also a National Nature Reserve (NNR). These are the most important places for wildlife and geology in the United Kingdom. They are managed to protect nature and help people learn about it.
Why is North Solent Important?
North Solent is important for many reasons. It has a mix of different natural places, called habitats. These include:
- Mudflats (muddy areas uncovered at low tide)
- Saltmarshes (grassy areas flooded by the sea)
- Beaches
- Marshes
- Grassland
- Woods
This variety of habitats means many different plants and animals can live here. It's especially important for insects.
A Home for Birds
North Solent is a very important place for birds. Many wildfowl (like ducks and geese) and waders (birds that feed in shallow water) visit here. They come during winter or stop here during their long migrations. Because so many birds rely on this area, it's recognized internationally as a key bird habitat.
Special Protections
Because North Solent is so important, it has several special protections:
- Ramsar site: This means it's a wetland of international importance, especially for water birds.
- Special Protection Area (SPA): This protects wild birds and their habitats across Europe.
- Special Area of Conservation (SAC): This protects some of Europe's most threatened habitats and species.
These protections help make sure the amazing nature of North Solent is kept safe for the future.
Ancient History in the Rocks
North Solent is not just important for its living nature; it also tells us about Earth's past. One area, called Stone Point, is very important for studying geology.
Fossils from a Warmer Time
Scientists study the layers of rock and soil at Stone Point. These layers help them understand the Quaternary period, which is the last 2.6 million years of Earth's history.
They have found many fossils here. Fossils are the remains or traces of ancient life. These fossils date back to a time called the Eemian interglacial. This was a warm period about 120,000 years ago, when temperatures were similar to or even warmer than today. Studying these fossils helps scientists understand how life and climates have changed over long periods.
Boldre Foreshore, which is part of North Solent, is also a Local Nature Reserve. This means it's a place where local people can enjoy nature and learn about their environment.
