Buck's Cove

Coastal Marsh, Saltings in Dorset

England

Buck's Cove

Defending Dorset: Holton Heath: Light Anti-Aircraft Battery - Bofors gun tower no. 1 (17) -
LAA Battery: DoB ID: e27074

During WWII, in addition to the heavy anti-aircraft artillery protecting the Royal Naval Cordite Factory at Holton Heath, there were also a series of smaller anti-aircraft batteries providing close-in LAA defence against low flying enemy aircraft. The remains of two of these LAA sites survive in the form of concrete towers on which 40mm Bofors guns were mounted. This particular gun tower (no. 1) is on the heath to the south west of the former cordite factory, the other (no. 2) is on private land further west on the other side of the A351 road near Sandford House.

<a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/5287593">SY9390 : Defending Dorset: Holton Heath: Light Anti-Aircraft Battery - Bofors gun tower no. 1 (18)</a> — Defending Dorset: Holton Heath: Light Anti-Aircraft Battery - Bofors gun tower no. 1 (17) Credit: Mike Searle

Buck's Cove, located in Dorset, is a picturesque coastal marsh nestled amidst the stunning natural beauty of the region. This idyllic cove is particularly renowned for its expansive saltings, providing visitors with a unique and diverse ecosystem to explore.

The coastal marsh of Buck's Cove is characterized by its marshy terrain, consisting of wetlands, mudflats, and salt marshes. These marshes are inundated by the tides and serve as a vital habitat for a wide range of plant and animal species. The marsh vegetation includes grasses, reeds, and salt-tolerant plants, which thrive in the brackish water.

The saltings, a prominent feature of Buck's Cove, are vast stretches of land that are exposed during low tides and flooded during high tides. These saline flats are composed of fine sediment and are home to numerous species of marine invertebrates, such as crabs, shellfish, and worms. They also attract a variety of waterfowl, including wading birds and migratory species.

Beyond its natural beauty, Buck's Cove offers visitors a chance to engage in various recreational activities. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy birdwatching, as the area attracts a plethora of avian species. The marshes are also ideal for hiking and exploring, with well-maintained trails offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Buck's Cove, with its coastal marsh and saltings, presents a unique opportunity to witness the delicate balance of nature in a captivating coastal setting. Whether it be for scientific study, nature exploration, or simply a tranquil retreat, this hidden gem in Dorset promises to leave visitors with lasting memories of its diverse and awe-inspiring ecosystem.

Show me another place!

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Buck's Cove Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.695839/-2.079971 or Grid Reference SY9488. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Defending Dorset: Holton Heath: Light Anti-Aircraft Battery - Bofors gun tower no. 1 (17)

- LAA Battery: DoB ID: e27074 During WWII, in addition to the heavy anti-aircraft artillery protecting the Royal Naval Cordite Factory at Holton Heath, there were also a series of smaller anti-aircraft batteries providing close-in LAA defence against low flying enemy aircraft. The remains of two of these LAA sites survive in the form of concrete towers on which 40mm Bofors guns were mounted. This particular gun tower (no. 1) is on the heath to the south west of the former cordite factory, the other (no. 2) is on private land further west on the other side of the A351 road near Sandford House. SY9390 : Defending Dorset: Holton Heath: Light Anti-Aircraft Battery - Bofors gun tower no. 1 (18)

Mike Searle

Defending Dorset: Holton Heath: Light Anti-Aircraft Battery - Bofors gun tower no. 1 (18)

- LAA Battery: DoB ID: e27074 At first glance the tower seems to be a single structure, but in fact it was designed and constructed as two separate concrete towers each supporting separate upper platforms. One platform was equipped with the Bofors gun, the other housed an observation post. The separation between the two platforms is barely 30mm, but necessary in order to prevent the vibration of the Bofors gun adversely affecting the observers and their range and height finding equipment on the adjacent platform. SY9390 : Defending Dorset: Holton Heath: Light Anti-Aircraft Battery - Bofors gun tower no. 1 (19)

Mike Searle

Defending Dorset: Holton Heath: Light Anti-Aircraft Battery - Bofors gun tower no. 1 (19)

- LAA Battery: DoB ID: e27074 The gap between the two platforms, albeit slight, is apparent in this view between the towers looking up to the platforms above. SY9390 : Defending Dorset: Holton Heath: Light Anti-Aircraft Battery - Bofors gun tower no. 1 (20)

Mike Searle

Defending Dorset: Holton Heath: Light Anti-Aircraft Battery - Bofors gun tower no. 1 (20)

- LAA Battery: DoB ID: e27074 The platforms retain their concrete ready use ammunition lockers, and the iron railings around the perimeter. The tower along with its companion further west are the only surviving examples of Bofors gun towers in Dorset, and among about ten in total that survive in England. Designated as 'Scheduled' by Historic England. SY9390 : Defending Dorset: Holton Heath: Light Anti-Aircraft Battery - Bofors gun tower no. 2 (21)

Mike Searle

Sandford : Woodlands Drive

Along Woodlands Drive as it heads off from Sandford Road.

Lewis Clarke

Old Milestone by the A351, north east of Wareham

Carved stone post by the A351, in parish of WAREHAM ST MARTIN (PURBECK District), near roundabout by Sandford Middle School, on wide verge on northern exit from roundabout, on East side of road. Dorset 3 (Rounded top), erected by the Poole turnpike trust in the 19th century. Inscription reads:- : Wareham / 2 : : Poole / 8 / Hyde / Park / Corner / 109 : Carved benchmark bottom centre of front face. Milestone Society National ID: DO_WAPO02.

J Tybjerg

RNCF Holton Heath: vintage street light (1)

- The history of the former Royal Naval Cordite Factory at Holton Heath has been well documented, spanning both of the world wars of the 20th century. The facility opened in 1916, and was in continuous operation producing cordite for the Royal Navy until 1945, the site then being placed on a care and maintenance basis. Some parts continued to be used by the Admiralty, but these too eventually closed in 1997 when the whole site was developed thereafter as an industrial estate, with many of the old buildings retained. The cast-iron lamp post in the photo is one of two at this location, being very early forms of industrial electric street lighting. Their manufacture was by the contractors Mann Egerton & Co. Ltd., and were made by Davey Paxman & Co. Ltd in 1916, the same year that the RNCF facility was opened. SY9490 : RNCF Holton Heath: vintage street light (2)

Mike Searle

RNCF Holton Heath: vintage street light (2)

- A close-up of the *base inscription that gives details of the contractors Mann Egerton of London, and the makers Davey Paxman & Co. Ltd of Colchester; both companies are still trading today. Mann Egerton are now a brand of car dealers across East Anglia, whilst Davey Paxman are more well known for their diesel generators under the Paxman brand, although due to various acquisitions, are now owned by the German company MAN SE. * 'Mann Egerton & Co. Ltd Contractors London - Davey Paxman & Co. Ltd Makers Colchester 1916'.

Mike Searle

Old Boundary Marker by footpath at Holton Heath Station

Estate Boundary Marker by the footpath, in parish of Wareham St Martin (Purbeck District), Station Road, 50m S gate no 2 overlooking ditch. Surveyed Milestone Society National ID: DO_SAND02em.

Milestone Society

Old Boundary Marker on Holton Heath, Wareham St Martin Parish

Estate Boundary Marker by the footpath, in parish of Wareham St Martin (Purbeck District), Roman Road, in woodland almost in centre of path. Surveyed Milestone Society National ID: DO_SAND04em.

Milestone Society

Old Boundary Marker on the Roman Road, Wareham St Martin Parish

Estate Boundary Marker - Admiralty, by the footpath, in parish of Wareham St Martin (Purbeck District), Roman Road/footpath junction. Surveyed Milestone Society National ID: DO_ADWAM21em

Mike Faherty

Old Boundary Marker on Holton Heath, Wareham St Martin parish

Estate Boundary Marker by the footpath, in parish of Wareham St Martin (Purbeck District), Roman Road, footpath junction. Inscription reads:- H K 1925 Surveyed Milestone Society National ID: DO_SAND03em

Milestone Society