Benfleet and Southend Marshes explained

Benfleet and Southend Marshes
Aos:Essex
Interest:Biological
Area:2099.7 hectares
Notifydate:1987
Map:Magic Map

Benfleet and Southend Marshes is an 8.1mi2 Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in Essex. It consists of mudflats, salt marshes, scrub and wild grassland, and includes the Southend-on-Sea foreshore. It has been so recognised for its biological (including ecological) value, rather than geological.[1] [2] A definition five percent larger forms the Benfleet and Southend Marshes Ramsar site[3] and Special Protection Area.[4] In the centre-west, more than ten percent of the Site is the Leigh National Nature Reserve (NNR),[5] [6] which has been appraised in detail in A Nature Conservation Review as a site of national importance.[1] The SSSI and NNR include the eastern half of Two Tree Island, in Leigh on Sea which is managed by the Essex Wildlife Trust.[5] [7] A narrow majority of the Site is the Southend on Sea Foreshore Local Nature Reserve.[8] [9]

The marshes and mudflats have internationally important numbers of wildfowl and wading birds, including the dark-bellied brent goose, grey plover, redshank and red knot. Scarce invertebrates, such as the white-letter hairstreak and marbled white butterfly, have adapted to specific habitats in the marshes.[1]

Notes and References

References

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Benfleet and Southend Marshes citation . Sites of Special Scientific Interest . Natural England . 19 November 2015 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20160304035845/http://www.sssi.naturalengland.org.uk/citation/citation_photo/1004414.pdf . 4 March 2016 .
  2. Web site: Map of Benfleet and Southend Marshes. Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Natural England. 19 November 2015.
  3. Web site: Information Sheet on Ramsar Wetlands: Benfleet and Southend Marshes. Joint Nature Conservation Committee. 19 November 2015.
  4. Web site: Benfleet and Southend Marshes. Special Protection Areas under the EC Birds Directive. Joint Nature Conservation Committee. 22 August 2016.
  5. Web site: Essex's National Nature Reserves. Natural England.
  6. Web site: Magic map. Natural England. 19 November 2015.
  7. Web site: Two Tree Island. Essex Wildlife Trust. 19 November 2015.
  8. Web site: Southend on Sea Foreshore . Local Nature Reserves . Natural England . 27 February 2013 . 19 November 2015 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20151119120748/http://www.lnr.naturalengland.org.uk/Special/lnr/lnr_details.asp?C=15&N=&ID=545 . 19 November 2015 .
  9. Web site: Map of Southend on Sea Foreshore. Local Nature Reserves. Natural England. 19 November 2015.

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