Sprotbrough Flash facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sprotbrough Flash |
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The eponymous body of water
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| Type | Nature reserve |
| Location | South Yorkshire |
| Nearest city | Doncaster |
| OS grid | SE 536 013 |
| Area | 28 ha |
| Operated by | Yorkshire Wildlife Trust |
| Website | http://www.ywt.org.uk/reserves/sprotbrough-flash-nature-reserve |
Sprotbrough Flash, sometimes called Sprotborough Flash, is a special nature reserve located near Doncaster in South Yorkshire, England. It sits right next to the River Don. The name "Flash" comes from its main feature: a long, narrow lake that runs alongside the river.
This amazing place is looked after by the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust. It's a protected area that covers about 28 hectares, which is roughly the size of 70 football fields! Part of the famous Trans Pennine Trail also runs through the reserve, making it a great spot for walking and cycling. Sprotbrough Flash is also part of a larger area called Sprotbrough Gorge, which is recognized as a Site of Special Scientific Interest because of its unique nature.
Contents
A Look Back in Time
How the Land Was Formed
Imagine going back 280 million years, during a time called the Permian period. Back then, a type of rock called dolomite formed here. Dolomite is a bit like limestone but contains magnesium.
For many years, starting in the mid-1800s, people mined this dolomite. However, mining has now stopped. Nature has slowly taken back the area, and wildlife has returned. You can still see the old quarry (where they dug for rock) across from the River Don, right next to the Sprotbrough Flash lake.
Ancient Animals
Even more amazing, bones of a woolly rhinoceros have been found here! These huge, furry creatures lived in this area a very long time ago, during the Pleistocene Ice Age. Finding their bones helps scientists learn about the animals that once roamed this land.
The Flash Lake's Creation
The long lake that gives the reserve its name wasn't always there. It formed because of something called subsidence. This happens when old underground coal mines collapse, causing the ground above to sink. Over time, water filled these sunken areas, creating the "flash" lake we see today.
Amazing Wildlife at Sprotbrough Flash
Sprotbrough Flash is a fantastic place to spot many different kinds of animals and plants. It's a haven for nature lovers!
Birds You Might See
The reserve is especially known for its birds. If you visit, keep an eye out for:
- Common kingfishers: These small, brightly colored birds are famous for their quick dives into the water to catch fish.
- Eurasian bitterns: Bitterns are shy, heron-like birds that are very good at hiding in the reeds. They have a booming call that sounds like it comes from far away.
- Great crested grebes: These elegant water birds are known for their beautiful courtship dances on the water.
Other Animals Living Here
It's not just birds! Sprotbrough Flash is home to other interesting creatures, including:
- Brown hares: These fast-running mammals are larger than rabbits and have long ears.
- Grass snakes: These non-venomous snakes are often found near water, where they hunt amphibians and fish.
- Ruddy darters: These are a type of dragonfly, easily recognized by the male's bright red body.
Wonderful Plants and Flowers
The reserve also boasts a variety of beautiful plants and flowers. Some of the notable species include:
- Common twayblade: A type of orchid with two large leaves at its base.
- Common spotted orchid: Another beautiful orchid with spotted leaves and purple flowers.
- Spindle: A shrub known for its bright pink fruits that open to reveal orange seeds.
- Small-leaved lime: A native tree with heart-shaped leaves.
- Woodruff: A plant with small white flowers and a sweet scent, especially when dried.
- Greater stitchwort: A common wildflower with star-shaped white flowers.
- Sanicle: A plant often found in woodlands.
- Early purple orchid: One of the first orchids to bloom in spring, with striking purple flowers.
