Pato Point

Coastal Marsh, Saltings in Cornwall

England

Pato Point

Frigate at Devonport Royal Navy Type 23 frigate HMS Somerset (F82) at HMNB Devonport No. 2 Dock. — Frigate at Devonport Credit: David Dixon

Pato Point is a scenic coastal marsh located in Cornwall, England. Situated along the southern coast, it is a part of the larger Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The marsh is known for its breathtaking views and diverse ecosystem, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and birdwatchers.

Covering an expansive area, Pato Point is characterized by its vast saltings, which are intertidal marshes consisting of salt-tolerant plants. These marshes are formed by the deposition of sediment carried by the tides, creating a unique habitat for numerous plant and animal species.

The marsh is home to a variety of bird species, including waders, waterfowl, and migratory birds. Visitors can often spot elegant herons wading through the shallow waters or catch a glimpse of graceful terns diving for fish. The rich biodiversity of Pato Point also attracts other wildlife, such as otters, seals, and numerous invertebrates.

Visitors can explore the marsh by following the designated walking trails that wind through the area. These trails offer stunning panoramic views of the coastline, marshes, and the surrounding countryside. The quiet and serene atmosphere provides an ideal setting for relaxation and contemplation, away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Pato Point is not only a haven for wildlife enthusiasts but also serves as an educational resource. The marsh provides opportunities for research and study, contributing to our understanding of coastal ecosystems and their conservation.

Overall, Pato Point in Cornwall is a captivating coastal marsh that showcases the beauty and importance of preserving natural habitats. Its unique landscape, rich biodiversity, and peaceful ambiance make it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and those seeking tranquility amidst the stunning Cornish coastline.

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Pato Point Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.386974/-4.2048167 or Grid Reference SX4356. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Frigate at Devonport

Royal Navy Type 23 frigate HMS Somerset (F82) at HMNB Devonport No. 2 Dock.

David Dixon

HMNB Devonport

Her Majesty's Naval Base, Devonport (HMNB Devonport), is one of three operating bases in the United Kingdom for the Royal Navy (the others being HMNB Clyde and HMNB Portsmouth). HMNB Devonport is located in Devonport, in the west of the city of Plymouth. Having begun as Royal Navy Dockyard in the late-17th century, it is now the largest naval base in Western Europe and is the sole nuclear repair and refuelling facility for the Royal Navy. Shipbuilding ceased at Devonport in the early 1970s, but ship maintenance work has continued: the now privatised maintenance facilities are operated by Babcock Marine who took over in 2007. HM Naval Base Devonport is the home port of the Devonport Flotilla which includes the largest ship in the Royal Navy HMS Ocean and the Trafalgar-class submarines. Devonport will no longer be used as a base for attack submarines after these move to Faslane by 2017, and the Type 45 destroyers are based at Portsmouth. However, Devonport retains a long-term role as the dedicated home of the amphibious fleet, survey vessels and half the frigate fleet.

David Dixon

RFA Fort Victoria at Devonport

Royal Fleet Auxiliary combined fleet stores ship and tanker RFA Fort Victoria berthed at HMNB Devonport.

David Dixon

Frigate, HMS Argyll, at Devonport

Royal Navy Type 23 Duke-class frigate HMS Argyll (F231) at HMNB Devonport.

David Dixon

River Tamar, The Hamoaze

The Hamoaze is an estuarine stretch of the tidal River Tamar, between its confluence with the River Lynher and Plymouth Sound.

David Dixon

Torpoint Ferry

The Torpoint Ferry is a car and pedestrian chain ferry which crosses the Hamoaze, a stretch of water at the mouth of the River Tamar, between Devonport in Plymouth and Torpoint in Cornwall. The route is currently served by three ferries, two of which can be seen in this photograph. They are named after three rivers in the area: Tamar II, Lynher II and Plym II. Each ferry carries 73 cars and operates using its own set of slipways and parallel chains.

David Dixon

Torpoint Ferry, Lynher II at Torpoint

The Torpoint Ferry is a car and pedestrian chain ferry which crosses the Hamoaze, a stretch of water at the mouth of the River Tamar, between Devonport in Plymouth and Torpoint in Cornwall. The route is currently served by three ferries, which are named after three rivers in the area: Tamar II, Lynher II and Plym II. Each ferry carries 73 cars and operates using its own set of slipways and parallel chains.

David Dixon

Torpoint Ferry

The vehicle ferry provides a frequent service across the Hamoaze, linking Devonport and Torpoint. It is the busiest estuarial vehicular ferry crossing in the United Kingdom, carrying nearly two million vehicles per year in three vessels. There has been a ferry service here since 1791 but it was in 1831 that the first chain ferry was introduced and the same principle is still used. The current vessels date from the early 2000s and have a nominal capacity of 73 cars; they were built by Ferguson Shipbuilders Ltd on the Clyde. The length of the crossing depends on the state of the tide but can be up to 650 metres.

Stephen McKay

Sailing on the River Tamar

A yacht makes its way towards the Royal Albert Bridge and the Tamar Bridge up the tidal Tamar with Saltash in view on the left.

Stephen McKay

Forder Lake and Mill Pond

Looking towards Lynher River

Chris Morgan

Maryfield Church (St Philip & St James)

Paul Barnett

Torpoint Ferry, Lynher II

The Torpoint Ferry is a car and pedestrian chain ferry connecting the A374 which crosses the mouth of the River Tamar, between Devonport in Plymouth and Torpoint in Cornwall. The service was established in 1791 and chain ferry operations were introduced by James Meadows Rendel in 1832. The route is currently served by The three ferries currently operating were brought into service in 2005;built by Ferguson Shipbuilders Ltd at Port Glasgow, they named after three rivers in the area: Tamar II, Lynher II and Plym II.

Richard Rogerson