Yare Broads and Marshes facts for kids
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
Surlingham Church Marsh RSPB Nature Reserve
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| Area of Search | Norfolk |
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| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 744.5 hectares (1,840 acres) |
| Notification | 1988 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Yare Broads and Marshes is a very special natural area in Norfolk, England. It's located east of the city of Norwich. This large area, about 744.5 hectares (which is like 1,840 football fields!), is protected because of its amazing wildlife and habitats.
Contents
What Makes Yare Broads and Marshes Special?
Yare Broads and Marshes is known as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This means it's one of the best places in the country for its plants, animals, or geology. The government protects these sites to make sure they stay healthy.
A Home for Nature
This area is a wetland, which means it has lots of water. You can find different types of habitats here:
- Grazing marsh: Wet grasslands where animals like cows might graze.
- Open water: Lakes and rivers, perfect for birds and fish.
- Fen: A type of marshy wetland with special plants.
- Carr woodland: Forests that grow in wet, boggy ground.
- Peat: A type of soil made from decaying plants, which stores a lot of carbon.
Important Protected Areas
Yare Broads and Marshes is part of several important protected areas:
- National Nature Reserve: Most of this site is part of the Mid-Yare National Nature Reserve. These are the most important places for wildlife and geology in the UK.
- Ramsar site: It's part of the Broadland Ramsar site. Ramsar sites are wetlands that are important around the world, especially for water birds.
- Special Protection Area (SPA): This area is also a Special Protection Area. SPAs are set up to protect rare or vulnerable birds and their habitats.
- Special Area of Conservation (SAC): It's part of The Broads Special Area of Conservation. SACs protect rare habitats and species that are important across Europe.
RSPB Nature Reserves
Two parts of Yare Broads and Marshes are managed by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB). These are Strumpshaw Fen and Surlingham Church Marsh. The RSPB works hard to protect birds and their homes.
Amazing Wildlife and Plants
This wetland is a fantastic place for many different creatures and plants.
Rare Plants
You can find many plants here that are rare in the rest of the country. These special plants thrive in the unique wetland conditions.
Wonderful Birds
Yare Broads and Marshes is especially important for birds.
- Many different bird species live here all year round.
- In winter, large groups of birds come to stay.
- One of the most important visitors is the wigeon, a type of duck. Huge numbers of wigeon spend their winters here, making it a nationally important spot for them.
