South Girder

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

England

South Girder

Minsmere Sluice The breakwater marks the site of the sluice draining the Minsmere marshes. Beyond it can be seen the nuclear power stations at Sizewell. — Minsmere Sluice Credit: Christopher Hilton

South Girder, located in Suffolk, is a picturesque area known for its stunning natural beauty and diverse aquatic ecosystems. Spread across a vast expanse, South Girder is home to various water bodies, including lakes, pools, ponds, and freshwater marshes.

The centerpiece of South Girder is its expansive lake, which stretches for several kilometers. The lake is characterized by its crystal-clear waters that reflect the surrounding lush greenery. It serves as a vital habitat for numerous species of fish and aquatic plants, attracting anglers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Adjacent to the lake, there are several pools and ponds dotted throughout the landscape. These smaller water bodies offer a tranquil setting, ideal for relaxation and birdwatching. Many migratory birds flock to South Girder, making it a haven for bird lovers. Visitors can spot an array of species, including herons, ducks, and geese, as they thrive in the rich ecosystem of these pools and ponds.

South Girder boasts a unique freshwater marsh, which adds to the area's ecological diversity. This marshland is characterized by its verdant grasses and reeds, which provide a habitat for a wide variety of wildlife. Frogs, turtles, and insects can be found here, making it an excellent spot for nature enthusiasts to observe and learn about these fascinating creatures.

Overall, South Girder in Suffolk offers a mesmerizing blend of lakes, pools, ponds, and freshwater marshes that support a thriving ecosystem. Its natural beauty and diverse wildlife make it a popular destination for both locals and tourists seeking to immerse themselves in the wonders of nature.

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South Girder Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.240346/1.6217872 or Grid Reference TM4766. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Minsmere Sluice

The breakwater marks the site of the sluice draining the Minsmere marshes. Beyond it can be seen the nuclear power stations at Sizewell.

Christopher Hilton

Beach below Minsmere Cliffs

Christopher Hilton

The outfall, Minsmere Sluice

Under the concrete, water drains into the sea from the marshes inland at this point. The sluice and shingle bank keep the marshland from becoming salt or being reclaimed by the sea; originally, before the shingle bank blocked its mouth, the whole Minsmere nature reserve would have been an estuary open to the sea. Note how much higher the shingle is on the right of the concrete outfall, and how brown the sea is for some way out: an indication of the amount of sediment constantly moving north along this coast by longshore drift.

Christopher Hilton

Eastbridge chapel from the west

This medieval chapel is all that remains of a Premonstratensian foundation set up in 1182 by Ranulf de Glanville, Chief Justiciar to Henry II. The swampy site proved prone to flooding and in the second half of the fourteenth century the canons relocated inland to Leiston (see TM4464 : Leiston Abbey ruins), dismantling the abbey church and taking most of the materials with them. This chapel remained, functioning among other things as a sea-mark. In the Second World War it was used as camouflage for an Army pill-box, which can be seen set within the walls at the far end: one of the many defensive structures to be set up along Britain's vulnerable east coast.

Christopher Hilton

Eastbridge chapel from the north-west

This medieval chapel is all that remains of a Premonstratensian foundation set up in 1182 by Ranulf de Glanville, Chief Justiciar to Henry II. The swampy site proved prone to flooding and in the second half of the fourteenth century the canons relocated inland to Leiston (see TM4464 : Leiston Abbey ruins), dismantling the abbey church and taking most of the materials with them. This chapel remained, functioning among other things as a sea-mark. In the Second World War it was used as camouflage for an Army pill-box, which can be seen set within the walls: one of the many defensive structures to be set up along Britain's vulnerable east coast.

Christopher Hilton