Snettisham Carstone Quarry facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
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| Area of Search | Norfolk |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 11.0 hectares (27 acres) |
| Notification | 1984 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Snettisham Carstone Quarry is a special natural area in Norfolk, England. It covers about 11 hectares (which is like 27 football fields!). This site is located north of King's Lynn and is known for its unique wildlife. It's also part of the beautiful Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
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Snettisham Carstone Quarry: A Special Place
Snettisham Carstone Quarry is not just any quarry. It's officially recognized as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means it's a very important place for nature and wildlife. The "biological" part of its SSSI status means it's important for living things like plants and animals.
What is a Site of Special Scientific Interest?
A Site of Special Scientific Interest, or SSSI, is a protected area in the United Kingdom. These places are chosen because they have rare plants, animals, or special geological features. Protecting them helps to make sure these important parts of nature can survive and thrive for the future.
The Rare Nothris Verbascella Moth
Snettisham Carstone Quarry is the only place in Britain where a tiny insect called the Nothris verbascella micro-moth lives. A micro-moth is a very small moth, often only a few millimeters long. This makes the quarry incredibly important for this particular species.
The Hoary Mullein Plant
The Nothris verbascella moth needs a specific plant to survive. This plant is called hoary mullein. It's known as the moth's "host plant." A host plant is where an insect lays its eggs and where its young (larvae or caterpillars) feed. Luckily, there's lots of hoary mullein growing in parts of the quarry. These are areas where digging for stone has stopped, allowing the plants to grow freely.
Visiting the Quarry
It's important to know that Snettisham Carstone Quarry is still a working quarry. This means that stone is still being dug out of the ground there. Because of this, the quarry is not open to the public. There is no way for people to visit this special site.
