Hilperton Marsh

Lake, Pool, Pond, Freshwater Marsh in Wiltshire

England

Hilperton Marsh

Trowbridge Recycling Centre Credit: Anthony Parkes

Hilperton Marsh is a picturesque freshwater marsh located in the village of Hilperton, Wiltshire, England. Covering an area of approximately 20 hectares, it is a popular natural attraction for both locals and tourists alike.

The marsh is characterized by its diverse aquatic ecosystem, consisting of lakes, pools, and ponds, which are home to a wide variety of plant and animal species. The water in the marsh is primarily sourced from rainfall, creating a rich and fertile habitat for numerous aquatic plants such as reeds, rushes, and water lilies.

The marsh also supports a diverse range of wildlife. It is a haven for many species of water birds, including ducks, geese, swans, and herons, which are frequently spotted gliding gracefully across the water's surface. The abundance of fish, such as carp and perch, provides a vital food source for these birds.

Visitors to Hilperton Marsh can enjoy a peaceful and tranquil environment, surrounded by the beauty of nature. There are several footpaths and trails that meander through the marsh, offering the opportunity for leisurely walks and birdwatching. The marsh is particularly popular with nature enthusiasts and photographers, who are drawn to its scenic beauty and the chance to capture stunning images of the wildlife.

Overall, Hilperton Marsh is a stunning freshwater marsh, teeming with life and natural beauty. It provides a valuable habitat for a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring the wonders of nature in Wiltshire.

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Hilperton Marsh Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.339945/-2.1931385 or Grid Reference ST8660. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Trowbridge Recycling Centre

Anthony Parkes

B3105 towards Staverton

Julian P Guffogg

Kennet and Avon Canal near Staverton

The Kennet and Avon is made up of two river navigations and a linking stretch of canal. It runs from Hanham Lock near Bristol to the River Thames at Reading, over 100 miles long with more than 100 locks, some magnificent engineering and crossing some of the most beautiful scenery in southern England. It was only reopened in 1990 after decades of dereliction.

Julian P Guffogg

Be a hero

The litter bins around the green all seem to have a tag on them with an encouraging message.

Neil Owen

Wooden shelter on Ham Green

An old but sturdy timber shelter on the green.

Neil Owen

Walking to The Walk

The lane at the end of the short road is The Walk - running parallel to The Street.

Neil Owen

An old prohibition

The Walk is not for cyclists, denoted by an older generation of sign.

Neil Owen

Ham Green

The triangular green is bounded by three roads and on it are the war memorial, a flagpole and a wooden shelter. TO protect it are a set of iron bollards, made over a century ago by H. Martin of Bradford on Avon.

Neil Owen

Millennium seat in Ham Green

A large stone arc stands opposite the war memorial.

Neil Owen

Ham Green monuments

The war memorial, flagpole and shelter all standing on the green. The area was closed off in 2014 as a service to mark the centenary of the start of WWI was held. A local resident read out the names of the fallen and local schoolchildren placed crosses on it. Elsewhere, Holt Bell Ringers sounded a muffled peal on the church bells.

Neil Owen

Shelters on Ham Green

The wooden shelter stands close to the large tree, both offering a modicum of shelter. The tree is a more modern specimen: in the nineteenth century there was a very large elm tree here with a girth of 36 feet and height of 120 feet! But it became diseased and after a terible gale on 19th December, 1884, came down and almost flattened a cottage. The New Inn decided to change its name to Ham Tree thereafter. A new elm tree was planted to replace it but that too became diseased and was felled in 1975. Ham Green was created after the 1867 Enclosure Act, when it was one of four parcels of land allocated to the churchwardens and overseers of Holt. The village stocks were also here in the early 1800s.

Neil Owen

More heroes in Ham Green

Rubbish bins on the village green appear to have been tagged with a message.

Neil Owen

The Old Ham Tree

Originally known as the New Inn, it changed its name in around 1884 when the large elm tree on the Green fell down.

Neil Owen

Keep smiling beautiful

Someone has stuck a positive message on the letterbox.

Neil Owen

Children's playground sign

An old sign outside the recreation ground, complete with an apostrophe.

Neil Owen

Entrance gates to Holt recreation ground

Attached to a pier is a plaque, bearing a legend regarding the fallen of the wars. See ST8661 : A thank offering.

Neil Owen

A thank offering

A plaque on the recreation ground gates records a somewhat oddly-phrased tribute to the war losses. See ST8661 : Entrance gates to Holt recreation ground for a wider view.

Neil Owen