The Lay Pond

Lake, Pool, Pond, Freshwater Marsh in Norfolk South Norfolk

England

The Lay Pond

Site of the Denton Wash level crossing #58 The road was realigned into an &#039;Z&#039; bend for the crossing as it was almost parallel with the planned alignment of the track. The layout of the new road has blocked access to the road on the other side and constructed a new access to Waveney Farm 120 yards further up the road. — Site of the Denton Wash level crossing #58 Credit: Adrian S Pye

The Lay Pond, located in Norfolk, is a serene and picturesque freshwater ecosystem that encompasses a combination of lake, pool, pond, and freshwater marsh habitats. Spanning approximately 20 acres, this natural oasis is a source of abundant biodiversity and a haven for both plant and animal species.

The pond is fed by multiple freshwater springs, ensuring a steady flow of clean water throughout the year. Its shallow depth and calm surface create an ideal environment for a diverse range of aquatic vegetation to flourish, including water lilies, cattails, and various submerged plants. These plants not only provide shelter and food for numerous species but also contribute to the pond's overall aesthetic appeal.

The Lay Pond supports a rich array of wildlife, attracting an array of waterfowl species such as ducks, geese, and herons. Additionally, the pond serves as a habitat for various fish species, including bass, sunfish, and catfish, supporting a healthy aquatic ecosystem. The surrounding wetlands and marshes provide ample nesting grounds for numerous bird species and serve as crucial stopover points for migratory birds.

Not only does the Lay Pond offer a haven for wildlife, but it also provides recreational opportunities for visitors. Fishing enthusiasts can enjoy casting their lines into the tranquil waters, while birdwatchers can delight in observing the diverse avian species that call the pond home. Additionally, the surrounding green spaces invite visitors to relax and appreciate the natural beauty of the area.

In conclusion, the Lay Pond in Norfolk is a thriving freshwater ecosystem characterized by its diverse habitats, abundant wildlife, and recreational opportunities. It serves as a vital ecological resource and a peaceful retreat for both nature enthusiasts and local residents alike.

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The Lay Pond Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.441728/1.3896309 or Grid Reference TM3088. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Site of the Denton Wash level crossing #58

The road was realigned into an 'Z' bend for the crossing as it was almost parallel with the planned alignment of the track. The layout of the new road has blocked access to the road on the other side and constructed a new access to Waveney Farm 120 yards further up the road.

Adrian S Pye

A143 east at turning for Earsham

Roy Hughes

Earsham turning on A143 east

Roy Hughes

Earsham Hall: Car parking area

Michael Garlick

Site of the WW2 munitions siding at Earsham

This was the access road and the siding ran alongside, to the left of the concrete roadway. It was here that, during WW2, a siding of about 437 yards (400 metres) was constructed north of the track for munitions and other materials to be off-loaded onto trucks for delivery to the local airfields. In the meantime many of the bombs were stored alongside roads nearby including Whitehouse and Hogg Lane and Denton Road. TM2990 : One of the eight similar hard-standings It was a dispersed USAAF bomb storage facility that had its headquarters at Earsham Hall, which was requisitioned for the purpose. Many of the roadside hard standings remain extant to this day. During the time the siding was in existence more than 200,000 tons of freight, mainly bombs were delivered by 625 special trains.

Adrian S Pye

The former Earsham railway station house

The old platform is still extant and the sloping end can be seen just in front of the trees. From the outset Earsham Station was a passenger station and had no goods facilities. The single 310 feet long platform and a signal box were its only other assets, being only a mile west of Bungay additional works were deemed unwarranted. The station bisected Hall Road, the village end of which was thereafter known as Station Road with a level crossing on the Bungay side.

Adrian S Pye

Site of the former level crossing at Earsham

This side of the Hall Road has been realigned and widened, but the position of the gates were to the left of the former station between it and the telegraph pole. The other side of what was Hall Road before it was bisected by the railway was renamed Station Road.

Adrian S Pye

Remains of the 310 feet long station platform at Earsham

This picture was taken as if standing on the former level crossing of the railway which ran this side of the platform with the signal box out from the right side of the picture

Adrian S Pye

Underpass on the site of a former level crossing

The Waveney Valley line had a level crossing (#61) where this road now passes over an underpass created for the farmer to access the land on the opposite side of the road.

Adrian S Pye

A143 Old Railway Road past the munitions siding

West (right) of the road was a loop siding which was installed in 1944 for materials and munitions to be offloaded for storage and onward delivery to the American Bomb Groups at the airfields in the vicinity for final delivery to Germany. A concrete roadway TM3087 : Site of the WW2 munitions siding at Earsham stretched the length of the siding which was about 450 yards (411 metres). The railings are the site of an underpass which was the location of the level crossing (#61) at Drakes Lane crossing.

Adrian S Pye

Underpass, the site of a former level crossing #63

The road alignment has been much altered but this was the site of the Five Acre Lane crossing. There is no sign of a gatekeepers cottage so it was the train crew who would have operated the gates. The gates were removed in 1954 while trains still ran on the line. The old lane is now a footpath which follows the follows the same route as far as Pheasant's Walk.

Adrian S Pye

The deep cutting at Buck Hills Plantation

This was the deepest cutting on the line as it passed by the plantation. It was about 200 yards long, gradually petering out at each end.

Adrian S Pye

The location of the turnout into Earsham munitions siding

The siding a turnout from the down-line was installed early in 1944 for offloading and further distribution of bombs and other munitions and materials to local airfields. In it's short history it received 625 special trains delivering 21,000 wagons, carrying a total of 200,000 tons of bombs and other freight. After unloading bombs were stored at various specified "dumps" beside local roads and in cleared woodland before distribution. see TM3089 : Concrete platform Contemporary maps show it as a siding and not a loop as it is sometimes referred to. I leave the question open for positive confirmation.

Adrian S Pye