Warham Camp facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
The ramparts on the north-west side
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| Area of Search | Norfolk |
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| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 5.1 hectares (13 acres) |
| Notification | 1984 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Warham Camp is an ancient circular hill fort from the Iron Age. This means it was built many centuries ago, before the Romans came to Britain. It is located near a village called Warham in Norfolk, south of Wells-next-the-Sea.
This amazing historical site is about 212 meters (or 232 yards) wide. It is protected as a Scheduled Monument, which means it's a really important historical place. It is also a special area for nature, known as a biological Site of Special Scientific Interest. This area covers about 5.1 hectares (or 12.6 acres). Warham Camp is also part of the beautiful Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
What is Warham Camp?
Warham Camp is a type of ancient fortress called a hill fort. People in the Iron Age built these forts, often on high ground, to protect themselves. They usually had large banks of earth and ditches around them.
The fort at Warham is unique because a channel of the River Stiffkey now runs through it. This channel was dug in the 1700s. Experts believe the fort was built in the last few centuries before the Romans arrived in Britain. There is also evidence that people continued to use the site even after the main fort was no longer active.
The University of East Anglia has said that Warham Camp is the best-preserved hill fort in all of Norfolk. This means it's a great example of how these ancient structures looked.
Nature at Warham Camp
The land at Warham Camp is a special type of chalk grassland. This kind of grassland is not usually improved by farming, so it keeps its natural plants. Rabbits and cattle graze here, which helps to keep the grass short and allows different types of plants to grow.
You can find many different kinds of plants here, like common rock-rose and squinancywort. These plants are important because they support various insects. For example, butterflies like the beautiful chalkhill blue can be seen flying around. This makes Warham Camp a great place for nature lovers.
Visiting Warham Camp
You can visit Warham Camp by following a public footpath. It is a wonderful place to explore history and enjoy nature. Remember to respect the site as it is a protected monument and a special place for wildlife.
