Severn Ham, Tewkesbury facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
Severn Ham
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| Area of Search | Gloucestershire |
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| Coordinates | 51°59′29″N 2°10′05″W / 51.99128°N 2.16816°W |
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 70.82 hectare |
| Notification | 1974 |
Severn Ham, Tewkesbury is a special natural area in Gloucestershire, England. It covers about 70.82 hectares, which is like 175 football fields! This area is called a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It was officially recognized in 1974 because it's super important for its plants and animals.
Severn Ham is located on the east side of the River Severn. It's close to another important natural spot called Old River Severn, Upper Lode SSSI.
Contents
What Makes Severn Ham Special?
Severn Ham is a very important place because it's one of the few remaining "ham meadows" that are still managed in a traditional way. This means people take care of the land using old methods that help nature thrive.
The Land and Its Water
This area sits on the floodplains of the River Severn. This means it gets flooded during the winter months, which is a natural process. The soil here is mostly neutral grassland, and it hasn't been changed much by humans. This helps many different kinds of plants grow.
To keep the plants safe, there are special rules about using fertilizers. This helps protect all the different types of plants that live here.
Amazing Plants You Can Find
Severn Ham is home to many interesting plants. One rare plant found here is called sulphurwort (Oenanthe silaifolia).
You can also see different types of grasses, such as:
- Cocksfoot
- Meadow foxtail
- Meadow barley
- Smooth brome (Bromus racemosus)
In the wetter parts of the area, you might find marsh foxtail.
Many beautiful flowering plants grow here too. You'll see lots of meadow buttercup and lady's smock. Along the edges of the fields, there are also trees and bushes.
Animals That Live Here
Severn Ham is a great place for birds, especially those that like wet grasslands. Some of the birds that live here all year round include:
- Lapwing
- Curlew
- Redshank
These birds find food and safe places to nest in the meadows and wet areas of Severn Ham.
