Old River

Lake, Pool, Pond, Freshwater Marsh in Suffolk East Suffolk

England

Old River

4-8, Earsham Street, Bungay (Listed Building) C17 and early C18, 2 storey and attic. C19 wood shop front to No 4.

List Entry Number: 1234532 <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1234532" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1234532">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> — 4-8, Earsham Street, Bungay (Listed Building) Credit: Roger Jones

Old River is a picturesque freshwater ecosystem located in Suffolk, England. It is primarily composed of a serene lake, pool, pond, and a sprawling freshwater marsh. This idyllic setting attracts nature enthusiasts, birdwatchers, and those seeking tranquility in the heart of the countryside.

The lake in Old River is a prominent feature, encompassing a large area and providing a habitat for various aquatic species. Its crystal clear waters are fed by nearby streams and underground springs, ensuring a constant flow of fresh water. The lake's depths vary, with some areas being shallow and others reaching depths of up to 10 meters. This diversity supports a diverse range of aquatic plants and animals, creating a thriving ecosystem.

Adjacent to the lake, a smaller pool and pond can be found. These water bodies are shallower and provide essential breeding grounds for amphibians, such as frogs and toads. The pool and pond are also home to a variety of fish species, including roach, perch, and carp, making them popular among local anglers.

The freshwater marsh in Old River is a haven for birdlife. Its extensive reed beds and wetland vegetation offer nesting sites and food sources for a plethora of bird species. Ornithologists can observe a range of waterfowl, waders, and songbirds, including herons, swans, warblers, and reed buntings. The marsh's tranquil setting and rich biodiversity make it a perfect spot for birdwatching and nature photography.

Overall, Old River, Suffolk, with its lake, pool, pond, and freshwater marsh, is a thriving ecosystem that provides a sanctuary for various aquatic plants, animals, and bird species. It offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the beauty of nature and witness the wonders of this pristine freshwater environment.

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Old River Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.466304/1.42193 or Grid Reference TM3290. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

4-8, Earsham Street, Bungay (Listed Building)

C17 and early C18, 2 storey and attic. C19 wood shop front to No 4. List Entry Number: 1234532 Link

Roger Jones

Emmanuel Church, Upper Olland Street, Bungay

Chris Holifield

Houses on the corner of Earsham Street, Bungay

Chris Holifield

Bungay Castle

Chris Holifield

St Mary's church, Bungay

St Mary's is a magnificent church which is now redundant and is cared for by The Church Conservation Trust and the Friends of St Mary’s Church: Link

Chris Holifield

Earsham Street, Bungay

Chris Holifield

Upper Olland Street, Bungay

Chris Holifield

A143 east at Suffolk County border sign

Roy Hughes

Market Place, Bungay

Christopher Hilton

Street sign, Popson Street, Bungay

This design of street sign is common in Bungay and some, like this one, carry the date 1919 in the corner.

Christopher Hilton

Fisher Theatre, Broad Street, Bungay

Fisher Theatre is now a cinema. On the right, the entrance to the pleasingly-named Cork Bricks, a short alley that cuts through to the next street.

Christopher Hilton

Drift House, Bungay

The building has the appearance of being a church.

Adrian S Pye

Alms houses in Outney Road, Bungay

St Edmund’s Almshouse, built in 1895 to the designs of E Banham, using funds donated by Frederick Smith (1833-1903), a local solicitor, is listed at Grade II, built of red brick laid in Flemish bond with stone dressings and plain red tiled roof covering.

Adrian S Pye

St Edmund's alms houses, Bungay - plaque detail

The central gable, which is taller than those flanking it, contains this carved stone plaque with Gothic trefoil arches bearing the date of 1895 and St Edmund’s Homes with the entwined letters SE above.

Adrian S Pye

St Edmund's alms houses, Bungay - chimney detail

Above the steeply pitched roof are five tall octagonal chimneys shafts with moulded brick bases and star tops.

Adrian S Pye

The site of the former Bungay Railway Station

Now a car park for the employees of Clays Printing Works. The station was 12¾ miles from Tivetshall and necessitated the building of two bridges numbers 1190 and 1192, within a half mile of each other, over the River Waveney as well as minor bridges over drainage ditches. The station itself had two platforms although only a single line each side of the station. The signal box was located between the station building and the Outney overbridge. The station underwent an improvement and expansion in 1933 when the previous wooden buildings were replaced with purpose-built brick buildings with all the usual amenities plus a W H Smith newspaper and book stall. The goods yard which was separated from the passenger station by the Outney overbridge consisted of a large crossing loop sidings and a goods shed containing a 30 cwt crane, cattle pens and loading dock. Coal bunkers and a water tank (still in use at The North Norfolk Railway).

Adrian S Pye

The former site of Bungay Waveney Valley Railway Station

In the trees and in part of the car park behind was the site of Bungay Railway Station. The station was 12¾ miles from Tivetshall and necessitated the building of two bridges numbers 1190 and 1192, within a half mile of each other, over the River Waveney as well as minor bridges over drainage ditches. The station itself had two platforms although only a single line each side of the station. The signal box was located between the station building and the Outney overbridge. The station underwent an improvement and expansion in 1933 when the previous wooden buildings were replaced with purpose-built brick buildings with all the usual amenities plus a W H Smith newspaper and book stall. The goods yard which was separated from the passenger station by the Outney overbridge consisted of a large crossing loop sidings and a goods shed containing a 30 cwt crane, cattle pens and loading dock. Coal bunkers and a water tank which is still in use at Weybourne Station on the North Norfolk Railway. TG1141 : Water tank at Weybourne railway station

Adrian S Pye

Former line of the railway converted to a road (looking south)

This was the line of the former Waveney Valley Railway. Bungay Station was to the left of the picture in and behind the trees. Just this side of the car in the distance is the bridge crossing the River Waveney taking us back into Norfolk. The Bridge was designated the number 1190 by the WVR. Next stop, Earsham.

Adrian S Pye

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Old River is located at Grid Ref: TM3290 (Lat: 52.466304, Lng: 1.42193)

Administrative County: Suffolk

District: East Suffolk

Police Authority: Suffolk