Pevensey Levels facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
 |
|
| Area of Search | East Sussex |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 3,603.2 hectares (8,904 acres) |
| Notification | 1990 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Pevensey Levels is a huge natural area in East Sussex, England. It covers about 3,603.2 hectares (8,904 acres), which is like 9,000 football fields! This special place is located between Bexhill-on-Sea and Hailsham. It is known for its amazing wildlife and unique wet grasslands. Pevensey Levels is protected because it is home to many rare plants and animals.
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Discover Pevensey Levels
Pevensey Levels is a very important place for nature. It is officially called a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means it is one of the best places in the country for its wildlife or geology. It was given this special protection in 1990.
A part of Pevensey Levels, about 183.5 hectares (453 acres), is also a National Nature Reserve. These reserves are the most important places for wildlife in the UK. Another part, about 150 hectares (370 acres), is called Pevensey Marshes. This area is looked after by the Sussex Wildlife Trust, a group that works to protect nature.
What Makes Pevensey Levels So Special?
Pevensey Levels is a large area of wetland. It has many grazing meadows, which are fields where animals like cows eat grass. These meadows are cut through by a network of ditches. These ditches are like small canals. They are very important for the wildlife that lives here.
This area is also recognized internationally. It is a Ramsar site, which means it is a wetland of international importance. It is also a Special Area of Conservation. This means it is protected for its special habitats and species across Europe.
Amazing Wildlife at Pevensey Levels
Pevensey Levels is a fantastic place for wildlife. It is especially important for tiny creatures called invertebrates. These are animals without a backbone, like insects and snails. Many rare invertebrates live here.
Snails and Other Molluscs
This area might be the best place in Britain for freshwater molluscs. Molluscs are a group of animals that includes snails and slugs. One very special snail found here is the shining ram's-horn snail. This snail is endangered, which means it is at risk of disappearing forever.
Rare Plants
Pevensey Levels is also home to rare plants. It has one plant that is nationally rare. It also has several other aquatic plants that are nationally scarce. Aquatic plants are plants that grow in water.
Important Birds
The area is also very important for birds. It is a national hotspot for lapwings. More than 1% of all the lapwings in Britain live here. Lapwings are beautiful birds known for their crests and distinctive calls.
