Peter's Pit facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
 |
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| Area of Search | Kent |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 28.7 hectares (71 acres) |
| Notification | 2000 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Peter's Pit is a really special natural area located north-east of Snodland in Kent, England. It's quite large, covering about 28.7-hectare (71-acre) of land. This amazing place is protected because of its important wildlife. It's known as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and also a Special Area of Conservation.
Contents
Discover Peter's Pit
What Makes Peter's Pit Special?
Peter's Pit wasn't always a natural area. It used to be a place where people dug out chalk from the ground, called a chalk quarry. Because of this history, the land isn't flat. Instead, it has lots of hills and dips, making it an interesting place to explore.
One of the most important features of Peter's Pit is its many ponds. These ponds are home to a variety of creatures. They are especially important for certain types of animals that need water to live and grow.
Meet the Animals of Peter's Pit
Peter's Pit is a fantastic place for wildlife. Many different animals live here, especially around the ponds and in the grassy areas.
- Great Crested Newt: Some of the ponds at Peter's Pit are home to populations of the great crested newt. This is a very special amphibian. It has rough, warty skin and a jagged crest along its back, especially the males during breeding season. The great crested newt is a protected species. This means it's against the law to harm them or disturb their homes. This protection helps make sure these newts can survive and thrive.
- Reptiles: You might also spot some reptiles slithering around. Peter's Pit is home to grass snakes. These snakes are usually green or brown with a yellow and black collar. They are harmless to humans. You might also find common European adders. Adders are a type of venomous snake, but they are generally shy and will try to avoid people. It's always best to observe all wildlife from a safe distance.
Exploring Peter's Pit
If you want to visit Peter's Pit, there's a footpath that goes right through the site. You can access this path from Old Church Road. It's a great way to see the different parts of this unique natural area and maybe even spot some of its amazing wildlife. Remember to stay on the path and respect the animals and plants that live there.
