Swangey Fen, Attleborough facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
 |
|
| Area of Search | Norfolk |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 48.4 hectares (120 acres) |
| Notification | 1984 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Swangey Fen, Attleborough is a very special natural area located south-west of Attleborough in Norfolk, England. It covers about 48.4 hectares (120 acres) of land, which is roughly the size of 70 football fields! This site is officially recognized as a biological Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) because of its unique plants and wildlife. It's also part of a larger protected area called the Norfolk Valley Fens Special Area of Conservation.
What is a Fen?
A fen is a type of wetland, like a swamp or a marsh, but it's special because it gets its water from underground springs or rivers, not just from rain. This constant flow of fresh, mineral-rich water creates a perfect home for many rare and interesting plants and animals that can't grow anywhere else. Swangey Fen is a great example of this kind of habitat.
Amazing Plants and Wildlife
Swangey Fen is home to a wide variety of plants, especially in its spring-fed areas. These areas are like natural gardens watered by pure underground springs. You can find beautiful flowers like grass of Parnassus and the marsh helleborine, which is a type of orchid. Many rare kinds of mosses also grow here, making the ground look like a soft, green carpet.
Around the main fen area, there are also wet woodlands and grasslands. These different habitats mean that even more types of creatures can live here, from insects and birds to small mammals. It's a really important place for biodiversity, which means having many different kinds of living things.
Visiting Swangey Fen
While much of Swangey Fen is private land, there is a special area that is open to the public. This part was once looked after by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust, an organization that works to protect natural places and wildlife. You can find this public access area off Fen Street. It's a great spot to explore and see some of the unique nature that makes Swangey Fen so important.
