North Walney facts for kids
North Walney is a special place in England. It's called a National Nature Reserve. This means it's protected because of its amazing wildlife and natural features. North Walney is found on Walney Island. It covers a large area, about 646.5 hectares. That's like more than 1,500 football fields! This reserve is super important because it's home to a rare animal called the natterjack toad. In fact, about one-fifth (20%) of all the natterjack toads in England live here!
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What Makes North Walney Special?
North Walney is a unique place because of how it was formed. Over many years, glaciers (huge sheets of ice) moved across the land. As they melted, they left behind sand and other materials. Wind and water then shaped these materials into the landscape we see today.
Amazing Habitats
The reserve has different types of natural homes, called habitats, for plants and animals.
- Sand Dunes: These are hills of sand shaped by the wind. They are home to special plants that can grow in sandy soil.
- Salt Marshes: These are flat, grassy areas near the sea that get covered by water during high tide. Only certain plants and animals can live in salty conditions.
- Mudflats: These are muddy areas that are covered by the sea at high tide and exposed at low tide. They are full of tiny creatures that birds love to eat.
The Natterjack Toad
The natterjack toad is a very special amphibian that lives at North Walney. Amphibians are animals like frogs and toads that can live both on land and in water. Natterjack toads are rare in the UK. They love the sandy, open areas found in the reserve. They are known for their loud, croaking call, which sounds like a rattle!
Protecting North Walney
North Walney is part of an even bigger protected area called the Duddon Estuary. An estuary is where a river meets the sea. This whole area is very important for wildlife.
Site of Special Scientific Interest
North Walney used to be its own Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Now, it's part of the larger Duddon Estuary SSSI. Being an SSSI means the area has important plants, animals, or geological features that need to be protected by law.
Special Protection Area
The Duddon Estuary, including North Walney, is also a Special Protection Area (SPA). This protection is given under something called the Birds Directive. This means the area is especially important for wild birds, especially those that are rare or migrate long distances. It helps make sure these birds have safe places to live and raise their young.
