Cock Marsh

Lake, Pool, Pond, Freshwater Marsh in Berkshire

England

Cock Marsh

Old Track Bed The old track bed of the dismantled railway line from Bourne End to Wooburn Green — Old Track Bed Credit: Shaun Ferguson

Cock Marsh is a freshwater marsh located in the county of Berkshire, England. This natural area is known for its picturesque landscape and diverse ecosystem, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and wildlife observers.

Covering an area of approximately 40 hectares, Cock Marsh is situated between the towns of Bourne End and Cookham, bordered by the River Thames to the east and the Jubilee River to the west. The marsh itself is predominantly composed of wetlands, including a lake, pool, and pond, which are all interconnected and fed by various streams and springs.

The marshland is characterized by its lush vegetation, consisting of reeds, sedges, and grasses that thrive in the marshy conditions. This abundant plant life provides a habitat for a wide variety of animal species, including numerous bird species such as herons, kingfishers, and waterfowl. The marsh also supports a diverse range of aquatic life, including fish, frogs, and insects, which contribute to the overall biodiversity of the area.

In addition to its ecological significance, Cock Marsh offers recreational opportunities for visitors. It is a popular spot for birdwatching, with several designated observation points and walking trails that allow visitors to explore the marsh and its surroundings. The tranquil atmosphere and scenic beauty of Cock Marsh make it an ideal location for nature walks, picnics, and photography.

Overall, Cock Marsh in Berkshire is a precious natural asset, providing both ecological and recreational value to the local community and visitors alike.

Show me another place!

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

Cock Marsh Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.573647/-0.72456902 or Grid Reference SU8886. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Old Track Bed

The old track bed of the dismantled railway line from Bourne End to Wooburn Green

Shaun Ferguson

Footpath to Hedsor Hill

Off Hedsor Road the footpath to Hedsor Hill

Shaun Ferguson

Stream at Hedsor

It does not seem to have a name, let's call it Hedsor Stream. Neither, on the 1:25,000 map, does it seem to actually flow into the River Thames, although it does on the 1:50,000 map. This is an artificially created pond at the rear of the houses at Hedsor Wharf.

Graham Horn

Footpath at Cores End

Just ahead, the footpath to Flackwell Heath crosses the old Bourne End to High Wycombe railway line. It is a bright, crisp day and very difficult to get pictures that don't have strong shadows and bleached out sections. I failed here to show clearly that the sign says that, courtesy of Wooburn Parish Council this is a nature walk as part of the European Year of the Environment 1988. Remember that?

Graham Horn

Permissive path round Spade Oak Lake

This is the entrance to Spade Oak Nature Reserve from a public footpath through pasture.

David Hawgood

Borehole monitor for groundwater

This is near Spade Oak Lake which is a former gravel pit, and near Little Marlow sewage treatment works, and not far from the River Thames. The wording around the top or at various angles includes: Borehole; observation, monitoring; Do not fill; Supplied by Stuart Well Services Ltd, Attleborough NR17 1AD.

David Hawgood

Houses on Coldmoorhome Lane seen across field

View from public footpath across rough pasture near Spade Oak, Little Marlow.

David Hawgood

Old Vicarage, Little Marlow

View from public footpath.

David Hawgood

Spade Oak Lake with swan

This former gravel pit is now a local nature reserve.

David Hawgood

Level crossing at Spade Oak Farm, Bourne End, Bucks

The crossing is a pedestrian crossing, and a gate for authorised vehicles over a single track railway line. There are lights to indicate whether it is safe to cross. Beyond the crossing is the Thames Path and the River Thames.

Ruth Sharville

Class 165 train approaching the level crossing, Bourne End, Bucks

A boat on the nearby River Thames can be seen in the background.

Ruth Sharville

Gate on the Thames Path, Little Marlow

Ruth Sharville

Crowne Plaza Hotel

Crowne Plaza is a chain of upscale hotels catering to business travelers and to the meetings and conventions market. It forms part of the InterContinental Hotels Group family of brands, which include InterContinental Hotels & Resorts and Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts, and operates in 52 countries, usually located in city centres, resorts, or near major airports. The chain ws founded in 1983, in the USA, and has nearly 400 hotels worldwide. Wikipedia: Link

N Chadwick

Tumulus, Cock Marsh, Cookham

This is the most conspicuous of the four round barrows on Cock Marsh. C19 excavations found the remains of a child dating from the Early Bronze Age along with some much later Anglo-Saxon artefacts. It is stated in the 'Buildings of England' that "It is unusual for a small cemetery of this kind to have survived on such low-lying ground, and it may originally have occupied a natural island enclosed by braided river channels".

David Kemp