Red Rocks (SSSI) facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
.jpg) |
|
| Area of Search | Merseyside |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 53°23′20″N 3°11′56″W / 53.389°N 3.199°W |
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 11.38 hectares, 28.11 acres (113,800 m2) |
| Notification | 1979 / 1983 |
Red Rocks (SSSI) is a special place in England, found at the mouth of the Dee Estuary. It is located west of Hoylake on the Wirral Peninsula. This area has amazing sand dunes and reedbeds. It is protected because of its important plants and animals.
Contents
What Makes Red Rocks Special?
Red Rocks is known as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means it is a protected area. It is important for its unique plants and animals. The site covers about 11 hectares, which is like 28 football fields! It was first recognized as special in 1979 and 1983.
Amazing Plants and Wildlife
Red Rocks is home to many different kinds of plants and animals. It is especially important for its rare species.
Rare Plants of the Dunes
The area has many plants that grow in dunes and reedbeds. One very rare plant was first thought to be Mackay's horsetail. Scientists later found out it was a new type of Equisetum hybrid. This plant is very rare and only grows in a few places. You can find it at the south end of the reserve. It grows along the edges of the wet, low areas between the dunes.
Birds of Red Rocks
This place is a fantastic spot for birds. Many birds come here to breed and raise their young.
These birds live in the reed beds and the trees like sallows and alders.
Other birds found here include:
- Common whitethroats
- Grasshopper warblers
- Skylarks
- European stonechats
These birds like the fixed dunes and low bushes. They also enjoy the burnet roses.
More than 260 different kinds of birds have been seen at Red Rocks. In some years, up to 170 different species have been recorded! The grasshopper warbler is now on a "red status" list. This means it needs a lot of help to survive. The reed bunting has an "amber status." This means it is also a bit worried about.
Amphibians and Reptiles
Red Rocks is a very important place for natterjack toads. These toads are common in Europe. But they are very rare in the United Kingdom. Natterjack toads mostly live in the areas closest to the sea. They like the slightly salty water.
Other amphibians and reptiles live here too:
These animals prefer the freshwater parts of the reserve. You can also find many Common lizards in the front dunes.
Insects and Moths
A very rare moth called the sandhill rustic also lives here. It is only found in small areas of the front dunes.
