Smallburgh Fen facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
.jpg) |
|
| Area of Search | Norfolk |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 7.6 hectares (19 acres) |
| Notification | 1985 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Smallburgh Fen is a special natural area in Smallburgh, Norfolk. It covers about 7.6 hectares (which is like 19 football fields!). This place is protected because it has important plants and wildlife. It's known as a biological Site of Special Scientific Interest, or SSSI for short.
Smallburgh Fen is also part of bigger protected areas. These include the Broadland Ramsar site, a Special Protection Area (SPA), and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC). These names mean it's recognized internationally and nationally for its importance to nature, especially for birds and special habitats. It's also a "Nature Conservation Review site, Grade 2," which means it's a very important place for studying nature.
What Makes Smallburgh Fen Special?
Smallburgh Fen is a type of wetland called a "fen." It's unique because it's fed by natural springs, which means fresh water constantly flows through it. This creates a very special environment for many different kinds of plants.
Plants You Might See
The fen has a wide variety of plants, which scientists call "diverse flora." Some of these plants are quite rare. For example, a moss called Bracthythecium mildeanum grows here. It's the only place in Norfolk where this particular moss has been found! There's also an area of "alder carr," which is a type of wet woodland where alder trees grow.
Visiting Smallburgh Fen
You can visit Smallburgh Fen! There's a short path that leads to the site from Union Street. It's a great place to explore and see some of Norfolk's unique wildlife and plants.
