Swallow Hole

Lake, Pool, Pond, Freshwater Marsh in Leicestershire Melton

England

Swallow Hole

Pinus nigra ssp. laricio These are Corsican Pine, growing in the garden of what used to be the school.

Although at first sight they are sturdy specimens, in fact they are infected with a disease called Red Band Needle Blight - caused by the fungus Dothistroma septosporum.  My correspondent says they are predicted for felling to prevent the spread of the disease, that can affect several species of Pinus.
Pinus nigra ssp. laricio Credit: Bob Harvey

Swallow Hole, located in Leicestershire, is a natural freshwater marsh encompassing a lake, pool, and pond. Situated in a serene and picturesque setting, this diverse ecosystem covers an area of approximately [insert size] and is home to a wide range of flora and fauna.

The lake at Swallow Hole is a prominent feature, its calm and pristine waters reflecting the surrounding lush vegetation. It serves as a primary water source for various aquatic organisms and provides an ideal habitat for numerous species of fish, including trout and perch. The lake is also a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts and nature enthusiasts alike, who can often be seen casting their lines or observing the local wildlife.

Adjacent to the lake lies a pool, a smaller body of water that offers a tranquil retreat for both animals and visitors. The pool is teeming with life, hosting a variety of amphibians, such as frogs and newts, as well as a plethora of aquatic plants that provide cover and sustenance for the resident wildlife.

Further into the marsh, a pond can be found, providing a habitat for an array of aquatic plants and invertebrates. This shallow water body is essential for the survival of many species, offering an ideal environment for insects, mollusks, and crustaceans. It also serves as a vital breeding ground for dragonflies and damselflies, which flit gracefully above the water's surface.

Overall, Swallow Hole in Leicestershire is a captivating fresh water marsh. Its combination of a lake, pool, and pond creates a diverse and thriving ecosystem that supports a wide range of plant and animal life. It is a haven for nature enthusiasts, providing an opportunity to witness the beauty and intricacy of this unique habitat.

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Swallow Hole Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.839281/-0.75415698 or Grid Reference SK8427. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Pinus nigra ssp. laricio These are Corsican Pine, growing in the garden of what used to be the school.

Although at first sight they are sturdy specimens, in fact they are infected with a disease called Red Band Needle Blight - caused by the fungus Dothistroma septosporum.  My correspondent says they are predicted for felling to prevent the spread of the disease, that can affect several species of Pinus.
Pinus nigra ssp. laricio
These are Corsican Pine, growing in the garden of what used to be the school. Although at first sight they are sturdy specimens, in fact they are infected with a disease called Red Band Needle Blight - caused by the fungus Dothistroma septosporum. My correspondent says they are predicted for felling to prevent the spread of the disease, that can affect several species of Pinus.
The Old Post House Former post office, now just a rather nice home.  

See also <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7060349">SK8426 : At the former post office</a>.
The Old Post House
Former post office, now just a rather nice home. See also SK8426 : At the former post office.
At the former post office You can often spot a former village post office if there is a posting box and a telephone box in close proximity.  In this case the telephone box has been converted to contain a defibrillator instead of a payphone

See <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7060357">SK8426 : Wallbox</a>, <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7060358">SK8426 : Former telephone box</a>, and <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7060361">SK8426 : Defibrillator in the phone box</a>.
At the former post office
You can often spot a former village post office if there is a posting box and a telephone box in close proximity. In this case the telephone box has been converted to contain a defibrillator instead of a payphone See SK8426 : Wallbox, SK8426 : Former telephone box, and SK8426 : Defibrillator in the phone box.
Wallbox A postbox of King George, set in a brick pillar next to the former post office (<a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7060349">SK8426 : At the former post office</a>), and carrying the priority labels for posting off PCR tests during the covid pandemic.
Wallbox
A postbox of King George, set in a brick pillar next to the former post office (SK8426 : At the former post office), and carrying the priority labels for posting off PCR tests during the covid pandemic.
Former telephone box Now containing, as the banner at the top says, a public access defibrillator. - see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7060361">SK8426 : Defibrillator in the phone box</a>
Former telephone box
Now containing, as the banner at the top says, a public access defibrillator. - see SK8426 : Defibrillator in the phone box
Defibrillator in the phone box
Defibrillator in the phone box
St Peter's Church - the celebrant's view Taken from behind the altarof this grade II* listed church (<span class="nowrap"><a title="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1074988" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1074988">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> )
St Peter's Church - the celebrant's view
Taken from behind the altarof this grade II* listed church (LinkExternal link )
St Peter's Church - Nave and Chancel Arch
St Peter's Church - Nave and Chancel Arch
St Peter's Church - the roof St Peter's church at Saltby is a grade II* listed parish church with a C13 west tower, early C14 nave and chancel which were reworked in the C15 and the chancel was further remodelled during the 1885 restoration.  

The church is built of Ironstone with limestone dressings and the parapets hide roofs that are lead.  The tower is built in 3 stages with a late C14 belfry stage and a Perpendicular gabled south porch with double chamfered entrance arch.  There is a blocked north nave door and a blocked north door in the chancel to the east of an organ chamber with no organ.  

The font is a plain C13 drum font on a hexagonal stem and the bench sedilia and piscina are dated around 1885.
St Peter's Church - the roof
St Peter's church at Saltby is a grade II* listed parish church with a C13 west tower, early C14 nave and chancel which were reworked in the C15 and the chancel was further remodelled during the 1885 restoration. The church is built of Ironstone with limestone dressings and the parapets hide roofs that are lead. The tower is built in 3 stages with a late C14 belfry stage and a Perpendicular gabled south porch with double chamfered entrance arch. There is a blocked north nave door and a blocked north door in the chancel to the east of an organ chamber with no organ. The font is a plain C13 drum font on a hexagonal stem and the bench sedilia and piscina are dated around 1885.
Main Street Main street in Saltby is dominated by these Corsican Pines, which look splendid but there is a shadow over them.  See <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7060237">SK8526 : Pinus nigra ssp. laricio</a>.
Main Street
Main street in Saltby is dominated by these Corsican Pines, which look splendid but there is a shadow over them. See SK8526 : Pinus nigra ssp. laricio.
Village sign
Village sign
St Peter's Church - Name board St Peter's church at Saltby is a grade II* listed parish church with a C13 west tower, early C14 nave and chancel which were reworked in the C15 and the chancel was further remodelled during the 1885 restoration.  

The church is built of Ironstone with limestone dressings and the parapets hide roofs that are lead.  The tower is built in 3 stages with a late C14 belfry stage and a Perpendicular gabled south porch with double chamfered entrance arch.  There is a blocked north nave door and a blocked north door in the chancel to the east of an organ chamber with no organ.  

The font is a plain C13 drum font on a hexagonal stem and the bench sedilia and piscina are dated around 1885.
St Peter's Church - Name board
St Peter's church at Saltby is a grade II* listed parish church with a C13 west tower, early C14 nave and chancel which were reworked in the C15 and the chancel was further remodelled during the 1885 restoration. The church is built of Ironstone with limestone dressings and the parapets hide roofs that are lead. The tower is built in 3 stages with a late C14 belfry stage and a Perpendicular gabled south porch with double chamfered entrance arch. There is a blocked north nave door and a blocked north door in the chancel to the east of an organ chamber with no organ. The font is a plain C13 drum font on a hexagonal stem and the bench sedilia and piscina are dated around 1885.
Fingerpost A 4-way fingerpost in Saltby.
Fingerpost
A 4-way fingerpost in Saltby.
St Peter's Church, Saltby This is a grade II* listed church - see <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1074988" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1074988">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>
St Peter's Church, Saltby
This is a grade II* listed church - see LinkExternal link
Church of St Botolph and St John the Baptist, Croxton Kerrial 15th C. church restored in 1866-68 by Scott. Has a central tower (although more eastern than central) on diagonal stepped buttresses with 8 pinnacles. 
North and south aisles with 3 bay arcades and clerestories. 
The pews date from 1534 when they were donated by Croxton Abbey at the time of dissolution. There are 42 unique pew ends.
The organ is by Nicholson of Worcester 1849.
There is no stained glass.
Church of St Botolph and St John the Baptist, Croxton Kerrial
15th C. church restored in 1866-68 by Scott. Has a central tower (although more eastern than central) on diagonal stepped buttresses with 8 pinnacles. North and south aisles with 3 bay arcades and clerestories. The pews date from 1534 when they were donated by Croxton Abbey at the time of dissolution. There are 42 unique pew ends. The organ is by Nicholson of Worcester 1849. There is no stained glass.
Track up to the A607, west of Croxton Kerrial During the driest July for over a hundred years, the rare sound of running water. The stream by the side of the path comes from Croxton Kerrial's famous spring-fed water spout <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/30072">SK8328 : Water spout, Croxton Kerrial</a>. The spring emerges at the base of the Lincolnshire Limestone, and the miniature waterfall on the right is formed from tuffa.
Track up to the A607, west of Croxton Kerrial
During the driest July for over a hundred years, the rare sound of running water. The stream by the side of the path comes from Croxton Kerrial's famous spring-fed water spout SK8328 : Water spout, Croxton Kerrial. The spring emerges at the base of the Lincolnshire Limestone, and the miniature waterfall on the right is formed from tuffa.
Road south-east of Croxton Kerrial A very quiet, narrow lane. Cooper's Plantation, and the far end, contains part of King Lud's Intrenchments
Road south-east of Croxton Kerrial
A very quiet, narrow lane. Cooper's Plantation, and the far end, contains part of King Lud's Intrenchments
View over the valley of the River Devon near Croxton Kerrial Croxton Kerrial sits on the left of the horizon. If the Roman road, the Salt Way, ran as an uninterrupted straight line to the south of Croxton Kerrial (rather than along the line of the current A607 through the village), as is suggested by some sources <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://archaeologydataservice.ac.uk/archives/view/romangl/map.html" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://archaeologydataservice.ac.uk/archives/view/romangl/map.html">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 would have been along the line of this view. It would still have had to cross the valley, but possibly with an easier gradient.
View over the valley of the River Devon near Croxton Kerrial
Croxton Kerrial sits on the left of the horizon. If the Roman road, the Salt Way, ran as an uninterrupted straight line to the south of Croxton Kerrial (rather than along the line of the current A607 through the village), as is suggested by some sources LinkExternal link , it would have been along the line of this view. It would still have had to cross the valley, but possibly with an easier gradient.
Show me another place!

Swallow Hole is located at Grid Ref: SK8427 (Lat: 52.839281, Lng: -0.75415698)

Administrative County: Leicestershire

District: Melton

Police Authority: Leicestershire

What 3 Words

///overpaid.took.thrilled. Near Wymondham, Leicestershire

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 52.839281,-0.75415698
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 52.842718/-0.757756
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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