Claypits Pond

Lake, Pool, Pond, Freshwater Marsh in Essex Colchester

England

Claypits Pond

Birch: Very boggy field and practically full drainage channel Credit: Michael Garlick

Claypits Pond is a freshwater marsh located in Essex, England. It is situated in a rural area surrounded by fields and woodlands, making it a serene and peaceful location for visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the countryside.

The pond is relatively small in size, measuring approximately 1.5 hectares, but it is teeming with diverse flora and fauna. The water is clear and still, providing a perfect habitat for various aquatic plants and animals. The edges of the pond are lined with reeds and rushes, which not only enhance the aesthetics of the area but also provide shelter and nesting sites for birds.

Speaking of birds, Claypits Pond is a haven for birdwatchers. The pond attracts a wide variety of bird species throughout the year, including herons, swans, ducks, and coots. It is particularly popular during the spring and autumn migration seasons when numerous species pass through the area. Birdwatchers can observe these magnificent creatures from specially constructed bird hides located around the pond.

Aside from its importance for wildlife, Claypits Pond also serves as a recreational spot for locals and visitors. The tranquil atmosphere and picturesque surroundings make it an ideal place for picnics, leisurely walks, and photography. There are designated footpaths that encircle the pond, allowing visitors to explore the area and appreciate its natural wonders.

Overall, Claypits Pond is a charming freshwater marsh that offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Its rich biodiversity, scenic beauty, and recreational opportunities make it a cherished destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

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Claypits Pond Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.846494/0.80031015 or Grid Reference TL9220. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Birch: Very boggy field and practically full drainage channel

Michael Garlick

Birch: B1022 junction

Michael Garlick

Birch: Fields

Michael Garlick

Birch, St. Peter's Church: Western aspect occluded by trees

Michael Garlick

Birch: 'Linden House'

Michael Garlick

Birch Church of England Primary School

Michael Garlick

Birch: Plaque to show that three trees were planted in 1995 to remember V.E. Day and V.J. Day

Michael Garlick

Beside a patch of woodland on Easthorpe Road

Part of Cantfield's Farm farmhouse can be seen ahead.

Trevor Harris

Birch Green

Garages behind Greenfield Houses.

Burgess Von Thunen

Birch Green

Play area.

Burgess Von Thunen

Farmland near Birch

Ploughed field with Birch church in the background.

Burgess Von Thunen

Greenfield Houses

1950s council houses.

Burgess Von Thunen

Gulf Service Station

Smythes Green

John Myers

New Hedge In Birch Green

When I was a nipper I remember this hedge-line being grubbed up, encouraged by the policies and financial incentives of the Ministry of Agriculture. Today in order to qualify for the Higher Level Stewardship Scheme subsidies hedges are in fashion once more! Link

Here volunteers from The Essex Wildlife Trust Link

Groundworks UK Link

and staff from Anglian Water (many thanks for the lunch folks!) are replanting the hedge with a mixture of native species. This is part of the Four Parishes Living Landscapes Project Link

that aims to restore four kilometres of hedgerow to provide a wildlife corridor between the dormice populations on TL8714 : Tiptree Heath and TL9721 : Roman River Reserve. The landowners get free trees and labour in exchange for a commitment to maintain the new hedge. See the end of the days toil at TL9419 : New Hedge in Pudding Lane and the results of a previous sortie at TL9318 : New Hedge on Winter's Hill

Glyn Baker

New Hedge in Pudding Lane

When I was a nipper I remember the hedges round here being grubbed up, encouraged by the policies and financial incentives of the Ministry of Agriculture. Today in order to qualify for the Higher Level Stewardship Scheme subsidies hedges are in fashion once more Link

Here volunteers from The Essex Wildlife Trust Link

Groundworks UK Link

and staff from Anglian Water are just completing a days work replanting the hedge with a mixture of native species. This is part of the four Parishes Living Landscapes Project Link

that aims to restore four kilometres of hedgerow to provide a wildlife corridor between the dormice populations on TL8714 : Tiptree Heath and TL9721 : Roman River Reserve. The landowners get free trees and labour in exchange for a commitment to maintain the new hedge. See the start of the days toil at TL9419 : New Hedge In Birch Green and the results of a previous sortie at TL9318 : New Hedge on Winter's Hill

Glyn Baker

Roundbush Road

Viewed from the junction on Winters Road on a gloomy summer's day.

Trevor Harris

Hare & Hounds at Layer Bretton Heath

This is the Hare & Hounds at Layer Bretton Heath. The piece of green in the foreground is the only bit of ground that remotely resembles a heath now. Over the past 30 years due to lack of grazing and control of grass fires the view from the pub has changed from open grassland and bramble bushes to young broad leaf woodland.

Glyn Baker

Blind Lane Birch

This is a shot of Blind lane Birch. The lane was closed from late 1942 until after WW2 as it became one of the two 1400 yard secondary runways of Birch Airfield, the last East Anglian aerodrome to be built by the USAAF in WW2. Blind lane is surfaced in tarmac the concrete in the picture is the end of the 2000 yard main runway. It is interesting to note that Blind Lane and the airfield are not marked on the 1940’s O.S map.

Glyn Baker

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Claypits Pond is located at Grid Ref: TL9220 (Lat: 51.846494, Lng: 0.80031015)

Administrative County: Essex

District: Colchester

Police Authority: Essex