Whitwell Common SSSI facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
 |
|
| Area of Search | Norfolk |
|---|---|
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 19.4 hectares (48 acres) |
| Notification | 1985 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Whitwell Common is a special natural area located north-east of Dereham in Norfolk, England. It covers about 19.4 hectares, which is roughly the size of 27 football fields. This site is officially recognized as a biological Site of Special Scientific Interest, often called an SSSI.
Contents
What is a Site of Special Scientific Interest?
A Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) is a protected area in the United Kingdom. These places are chosen because they have important wildlife, plants, or geology. They are like nature's treasures that need extra care.
Why is Whitwell Common Special?
Whitwell Common is special because it has many different types of natural habitats. It sits in a valley near a small river that flows into the River Wensum. This area has very wet ground with peat soils. Peat is a type of soil made from decaying plants.
Diverse Habitats
The common is home to several unique environments:
- Wetland Areas: These are very wet places where water often covers the ground. Many different kinds of plants that love water grow here.
- Wet Alder Woodland: This is a forest where alder trees grow in damp or wet soil. These trees are well-suited to watery conditions.
- Fen: A fen is a type of wetland that gets its water from groundwater. It's often rich in minerals and supports specific plant life.
- Unimproved Grassland: This means the grassland has not been changed by farming or chemicals. It's a natural meadow with many different grasses and wildflowers.
Plants You Might See
Because of its varied habitats, Whitwell Common has a wide range of plants. In the unimproved grassland, you can find different types of grasses. Two common ones are:
- Sheep's fescue: A tough grass often found in dry, poor soils, but also in mixed grasslands.
- Yorkshire fog: A soft, fuzzy grass that grows well in damp meadows and pastures.
Visiting Whitwell Common
Good news for nature lovers! Whitwell Common is open to the public. This means you can visit and explore this amazing natural space. It's a great place to see different plants and enjoy the quiet of nature.
