Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
A view of the Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits
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| Area of Search | Northamptonshire |
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| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 1,382.4 hectares |
| Notification | 2005 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
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Designations
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| Official name: Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits | |
| Designated: | 4 July 2011 |
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| Reference #: | 2023 |
The Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits is a really important natural area in Northamptonshire, England. It covers a huge space of 1,382.4 hectares, which is like over 3,400 football fields! This special place is made up of many flooded gravel pits along about 35 kilometers of the River Nene. You can find it between the towns of Northampton and Thorpe Waterville, which is east of Kettering.
This area is super important for nature, especially for birds and other wildlife. It's recognized internationally for its value.
Contents
What is the Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits?
The Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits is a chain of old gravel pits that have filled with water over time. These water-filled areas, along with the land around them, create a perfect home for many different plants and animals. It's officially known as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, or SSSI for short. This means it's one of the best places in the country for its wildlife or geology.
Why is this Area Special?
This site has several important titles that show just how valuable it is:
- Ramsar Site: It's a Ramsar wetland site, which means it's recognized internationally for its importance to wetland birds. This title was given on July 4, 2011.
- Special Protection Area: It's also a Special Protection Area under the European Birds Directive. This protects wild birds and their habitats across Europe.
- Nature Improvement Area: The site is part of the Nene Valley Nature Improvement Area. These areas work to make nature better and connect different wildlife spots.
- River Nene Regional Park: It's also part of the wider River Nene Regional Park, which aims to protect and improve the whole Nene Valley.
Some parts of this special area, like Summer Leys and Titchmarsh Nature Reserve, are looked after by the Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire. They help keep the habitats healthy for all the creatures that live there.
Home to Amazing Wildlife
Natural England, a group that protects nature in England, says this site is "nationally important." It's a key spot for birds that breed near open water and for many waterbirds that spend the winter here. More than 20,000 waterbirds visit during the colder months! It also has a rare type of wet floodplain woodland.
The Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits has many different types of habitats, which are like different kinds of homes for wildlife. These include:
- Marshy areas
- Reedswamps (areas with tall grasses called reeds)
- Rough grasslands
- Scrub (areas with small bushes and trees)
- Wet ditches
- Woodland
- Rush pasture (fields with rush plants)
Birds You Might See
Because of all these different habitats, the site is home to at least 21 types of breeding birds. If you visit, you might spot some of these amazing birds:
Visiting the Site
You can visit some parts of the Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits. Places like Summer Leys are open for people to explore and enjoy the nature. It's a great place to go birdwatching or just enjoy being outdoors!
