Kelling Heath

Kelling Heath is a 89.4-hectare (221-acre) biological Site of Special Scientific Interest between Holt and Weybourne in Norfolk.[1][2] It is in the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.[3]

Kelling Heath
Site of Special Scientific Interest
Area of SearchNorfolk
Grid referenceTG 101 418[1]
InterestBiological
Area89.4 hectares (221 acres)[1]
Notification1986[1]
Location mapMagic Map

Geology

Kelling Heath lies on the Cromer Ridge, a glacial moraine formed by retreating glaciers at the end of the last Ice age.[4] Together with nearby Salthouse Heath, it is one of two distinct outwash plains dating from different halt stages of the same glaciation. Kelling Heath provides perhaps the best example of a glacial outwash plain in England. Both sites have steep ice-contact slopes and are dissected by deep dry valleys, and are geomorphological sites of national importance.

Natural history

The heath is described by Natural England as 'a fine example of oceanic heathland'. The vegetation is typical of dry, acid heath and is dominated by heather, bell heather, western gorse, gorse and bracken, with areas of mixed woodland. A wide variety of heathland birds nest on the site, including nightjar, whitethroat and tree pipit. The dry conditions are favourable to reptiles such as common lizard and adder.[5]

The heath is bisected by the North Norfolk Railway, which has a Kelling Heath Halt. There is a Holiday Park adjoining the heath.

References
  1. "Designated Sites View: Kelling Heath". Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Natural England. Retrieved 12 June 2018.
  2. "Map of Kelling Heath". Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Natural England. Retrieved 12 June 2018.
  3. "Norfolk Coast AONB Management Plan 2014-19: Other Conservation Designations within the AONB" (PDF). Norfolk Coast AONB. Retrieved 25 May 2018.
  4. http://www.bbc.co.uk/norfolk/content/articles/2005/06/21/coast05_iceage_feature.shtml
  5. "Kelling Heath citation" (PDF). Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Natural England. Retrieved 12 June 2018.

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