Pond Hall Carr

Wood, Forest in Suffolk Ipswich

England

Pond Hall Carr

Freston Tower A brick built towner probably dating from the 16th Century: <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freston_Tower" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freston_Tower">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>. It now belongs to the Landmark Trust and can be rented as a holdiay home: <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://www.landmarktrust.org.uk/search-and-book/properties/freston-tower-7680/#Overview" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://www.landmarktrust.org.uk/search-and-book/properties/freston-tower-7680/#Overview">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> — Freston Tower Credit: Chris Holifield

Pond Hall Carr is a picturesque woodland located in Suffolk, England. Situated near the village of Woodbridge, it covers an area of approximately 200 acres and is known for its natural beauty and diverse ecosystem.

The woodland features a variety of tree species, including oak, beech, and birch, which create a dense and enchanting canopy. The forest floor is adorned with a vibrant carpet of bluebells in the spring, adding to the area's charm and attracting visitors from far and wide.

Pond Hall Carr is home to an array of wildlife, making it a popular spot for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers. Among the creatures that can be spotted here are deer, badgers, foxes, and a variety of bird species, including woodpeckers, owls, and buzzards. The tranquil environment provides a perfect habitat for these animals to thrive.

Visitors can enjoy a peaceful stroll along the numerous trails that wind through the woodland, immersing themselves in the natural serenity that Pond Hall Carr offers. The paths are well-maintained, allowing visitors to explore the forest at their own pace.

The woodland also features a small pond, from which it takes its name. The pond is a haven for wildlife, attracting ducks, frogs, and dragonflies. It provides a perfect spot for picnics or simply to sit and enjoy the tranquil surroundings.

Pond Hall Carr is a hidden gem in Suffolk, offering a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Its natural beauty and diverse wildlife make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful retreat.

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Pond Hall Carr Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.028171/1.1768535 or Grid Reference TM1841. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Freston Tower

A brick built towner probably dating from the 16th Century: Link

. It now belongs to the Landmark Trust and can be rented as a holdiay home: Link

Chris Holifield

Freston Tower

Freston Tower, owned by The Landmark Trust. We stayed there in October 2005!

Stephen Bashford

'The Boot' inn at Freston, Suffolk

This inn stands on Freston Hill on the B.1456

Robert Edwards

River Orwell saltmarsh

An area of saltmarsh at Freston, on the west bank of the River Orwell. The areas of saltmarsh - or 'saltings' - in the river have eroded considerably in recent decades. This may be partly due to the effect of wash from larger vessels using the port of Ipswich.

Bob Jones

River Orwell foreshore

On the Freston foreshore the saltings have eroded, leaving only remnants of slightly harder soil. These apparent 'rocks' are in fact lumps of hardened mud, which will probably disappear in time.

Bob Jones

River Orwell tributary

This unnamed stream enters the River Orwell from Freston Park.

Bob Jones

Freston Park

The parkland extends to the river bank, by the line of gorse bushes. The River Orwell and the Orwell Bridge can be seen in the distance.

Bob Jones

Freston Park and Tower

The parkland surrounds the tower and neighbouring farmhouse. The folly is owned by the Landmark Trust, and is rented out as one of their more unusual properties.

Bob Jones

Riverbank tree

This dead tree is on the bank of the River Orwell, below Freston Tower, which can be seen behind the gorse bushes.

Bob Jones

River Orwell transit beacon

The beacon used to be much larger, and higher, and acted as a transit against Freston Tower on the hillside behind. It was used before the Orwell was dredged and straightened and enabled sailing vessels to steer the right course on the then tortuous journey upstream to Ipswich.

Bob Jones

Freston Park

Looking over to the River Orwell from below Freston Tower.

Bob Jones

Eroding saltmarsh

Lumps of solidified mud remain, remnants of the former extensive saltmarsh on the bank of the River Orwell. On top of the lumps, edible sea purslane (Halimione portulacoides) is growing. In the background is the Orwell Bridge.

Bob Jones

Edge of the saltmarsh

It can be seen how easily this saltmarsh on the west bank of the River Orwell is being eroded by high tides and waves. The edge is very fragile, despite being covered in places with sea purslane.

Bob Jones

Freston Tower

This Landmark Trust-owned tower was built in the mid 16th century and is reputed to be England's oldest folly. But is it a folly? Rumour has it that it was built by William Latymer for Lord de Freston as a remote place of study for the Lord's daughter Ellen. Apparently she had the use of each of the six floors of the tower for a specific purpose, hence the much quoted instruction: The Lower Room to charity from 7 to 8 o'clock The Second to working tapestry from 9 to 10 The Third to music from 10 to noon The Fourth to painting from 12 to 1 The Fifth to literature from 1 to 2 The Sixth to astronomy at even Other legends say it was a lookout, or signalling tower, dominating as it does the River Orwell. Or it may have simply been a folly... Following the Landmark Trust's acquisition of the tower in 1999, it was renovated and opened as a holiday home in May 2004.

Bob Jones