Spalding Marsh

Coastal Marsh, Saltings in Lincolnshire South Holland

England

Spalding Marsh

Surfleet sea bank The road called &quot;Surfleet Bank&quot; is elevated because it largely follows an ancient sea bank that was important before the mechanical drainage of the Victorian era, and again in 1953. — Surfleet sea bank Credit: Bob Harvey

Spalding Marsh is a coastal marshland located in the county of Lincolnshire, England. It is situated near the town of Spalding and covers an area of approximately 2,000 hectares. The marsh is part of the wider landscape known as the Wash, which is a large bay on the east coast of England.

The marsh is characterized by its vast expanse of salt marshes and saltings, which are areas of coastal land that are regularly flooded by the tides. These marshes are home to a diverse range of plant and animal species, many of which are adapted to living in the harsh and saline conditions. Common species found in the marsh include sea lavender, samphire, and various types of grasses.

The area is also an important habitat for birdlife, attracting numerous species of both resident and migratory birds. The marsh provides an ideal feeding ground for wading birds such as curlews, avocets, and redshanks. It is also a breeding ground for various species of ducks and geese.

Spalding Marsh is recognized as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to its ecological importance. The marsh is managed by various conservation organizations, which work to preserve its unique habitats and protect the wildlife within.

In addition to its ecological significance, Spalding Marsh also offers recreational opportunities for visitors. There are several walking trails and observation points that allow visitors to explore the marsh and observe its diverse wildlife. The natural beauty and tranquility of the marsh make it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers.

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Spalding Marsh Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.838583/-0.09685803 or Grid Reference TF2828. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Surfleet sea bank

The road called "Surfleet Bank" is elevated because it largely follows an ancient sea bank that was important before the mechanical drainage of the Victorian era, and again in 1953.

Bob Harvey

The old sea bank

A portion, less elvated than the rest of it, of the old Surfleet Sea Bank.

Bob Harvey

Surfleet Bank

Surfleet Bank is the name of a country lane that follows the erstwhile sea wall.

Bob Harvey

Field of Tatas

Lincolnshire is a good place to grow potatoes, although some sort of problem has occurred along the edge of this field. I imagine it was either too wet or too dry.

Bob Harvey

Lots of potatoes

And, in the distance, a farm called Woad Farm.

Bob Harvey

River Welland, view north-east (seaward)

A tidal river. A cycle route, and the Macmillan Way, runs along the embankment towards Boston

Tim Heaton

Woad Farm

The brown vegetation in the field has been sprayed with sulphuric acid. Mike Harrison later Emailed me (Jan 2008) with the following information: "This is a field of potatoes with patches of annual sowthistles. Acid is used as the quickest,least damaging to the potato tubers, as it is not systemic and leaves no residues. Virtually withdrawn from use in 2008, due to crop growing protocols not allowing its use. The thistles are a late spring germinating weed and are not easily controlled with herbicides used on potatoes; they have become more prevalent in recent years all along the wash marshes."

Tim Heaton

Between the Pylons

The tidal River Welland flows in a deep narrow channel, but its floodbanks are further apart here with a floodplain appearing. The Macmillan Way ventures down off the high bank to a lower path near the pylons.

Graham Horn

Farmland and Pylons

I liked the symmetry between the line of pylons striding across the fields, and the very neat ploughing in the field below. The field below the pylons is planted with maincrop potatoes, probably the variety Maris Piper for pre-pack or chips to be harvested in September or October. The family farming this land has been in this marsh since the 1930s and it is a matter of pride that the standard of work is high on this very fertile silt, including the ability to plant crops in straight lines. I am indebted to a correspondent, Mike Harrison, for much of this information.

Graham Horn

Surfleet bank

Also known as sea bank.

J.Hannan-Briggs

Crop field off Surfleet Bank

JThomas

Surfleet Bank

Heading south.

JThomas

Road on an old sea bank near Surfleet Seas End

There are numerous old sea defence banks in the Fens around the River Welland and River Nene

Richard Humphrey

Wooden crates at Old Three Tuns Farm

Off Marsh Drove, an isolated dead end lane near Surfleet Seas End

Richard Humphrey

Looking downstream along the River Welland

Mat Fascione

Electricity pylons near the River Welland

Mat Fascione

Electricity pylons crossing Moulton Marsh

Viewed from the south bank of the River Welland.

Mat Fascione

Surfleet Bank near Surfleet Seas End

The minor road leaves the A16, meanders about a bit before looping back, alongside the River Welland, to Surfleet and the A16. Woad Farm is seen here. Down south the day had been ineffably dreary, but things cheered up intermittently in Lincolnshire (and probably neighbouring counties).

Stephen Richards

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Spalding Marsh is located at Grid Ref: TF2828 (Lat: 52.838583, Lng: -0.09685803)

Administrative County: Lincolnshire

District: South Holland

Police Authority: Lincolnshire