Orwell Clunch Pit facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
 |
|
| Area of Search | Cambridgeshire |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 1.8 hectares |
| Notification | 1985 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Orwell Clunch Pit is a special natural area in Cambridgeshire, England. It is a 1.8 hectare (about 4.4 acres) site located near the village of Orwell. This place is so important for nature that it has been named a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
The land is owned by the Orwell Parish Council. It is looked after by a group called the Clunch Pit Management Trust. They work to protect the unique plants and habitats found here.
What is a Clunch Pit?
A "clunch pit" is an old stone quarry. In the past, people dug out a type of soft limestone called "clunch" from the ground here. This stone was often used for building houses and other structures.
Even though it was once a busy quarry, Orwell Clunch Pit has now become a peaceful home for many plants. It shows how nature can reclaim and transform old industrial sites.
A Special Place for Plants
Orwell Clunch Pit is very important because it has a rich chalk grassland flora. This means it has many different kinds of plants that grow well in chalky soil. This type of habitat is quite rare in eastern England.
Some of the special herbs you can find growing here include:
- Kidney vetch
- Horseshoe vetch
- Spiny restharrow
- Wild thyme
These plants help make the Clunch Pit a valuable place for wildlife. They provide food and shelter for insects and other small creatures.
Visiting Orwell Clunch Pit
You can visit Orwell Clunch Pit and explore its natural beauty. There is public access to the site from Quarry Lane. It's a great place to see rare plants and enjoy the outdoors.
