South Hampshire Coast facts for kids
Quick facts for kids South Hampshire Coast |
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Beaulieu River in the South Hampshire Coast AONB
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| Location | Hampshire, England |
The South Hampshire Coast was a special natural area in Hampshire, England, UK. It was once called an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). This means it was a place with amazing landscapes and wildlife that needed to be protected.
However, this AONB doesn't exist on its own anymore. On April 1, 2005, it became part of the larger New Forest National Park. This park helps protect even more of the beautiful nature in the area. The South Hampshire Coast sits right between the New Forest and the western side of Solent, which is a strait of the sea.
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What Makes This Coast Special?
The South Hampshire Coast is a mix of different natural habitats. These habitats are home to many plants and animals. It's a great place to explore and learn about nature.
Coastal Features
Along this coast, you can find several interesting features:
- Freshwater lagoons: These are calm pools of fresh water, often separated from the sea by sand or shingle.
- Salt-marshes: These are coastal wetlands that are flooded by the tide. They are very important for birds and other wildlife.
- Shingle beaches: Instead of sand, these beaches are made up of small, smooth stones.
- Tidal mudflats: These are muddy areas exposed at low tide. They are full of tiny creatures that birds love to eat.
- Wooded coastal lowlands: These are areas of forest and trees close to the sea.
Important Rivers
Two main rivers flow into the sea along this coast:
- The Beaulieu River
- The Lymington River
These rivers create estuaries, which are where the river meets the sea. Estuaries are often rich in wildlife because they offer a mix of fresh and salt water.
Wildlife and Protection
The South Hampshire Coast is very important for wildlife. Because of its special nature, the entire coastline is protected.
Sites of Special Scientific Interest
Every part of the AONB's coast is covered by Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs). An SSSI is a special area that has been identified as being important for its plants, animals, or geology. These sites are legally protected to make sure their unique features are preserved. The estuaries, where the rivers meet the sea, are especially known for their amazing wildlife. Many different types of birds, fish, and other creatures live there.
Places to Visit
One interesting place along this coast is Bucklers Hard. It's a historic village that was once a shipbuilding center. Today, you can visit its maritime museum and see old cottages. It's a great spot to learn about the history of the area and enjoy the beautiful riverside scenery.
