Black Ooze

Coastal Marsh, Saltings in Suffolk Ipswich

England

Black Ooze

Freston Tower A brick built towner probably dating from the 16th Century: <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freston_Tower" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freston_Tower">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>. It now belongs to the Landmark Trust and can be rented as a holdiay home: <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://www.landmarktrust.org.uk/search-and-book/properties/freston-tower-7680/#Overview" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://www.landmarktrust.org.uk/search-and-book/properties/freston-tower-7680/#Overview">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
Freston Tower Credit: Chris Holifield

Black Ooze, Suffolk, is a coastal marsh located in the eastern region of England. Covering an area of approximately 500 hectares, it is renowned for its unique ecosystem and stunning natural beauty. The marsh is characterized by its vast expanse of black, peaty soil, hence its name.

The marshland is situated within the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and it is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to its rich biodiversity and importance for bird conservation. The area is mainly composed of saltmarsh and mudflats, with numerous creeks and channels weaving through the landscape. These tidal channels provide a habitat for a wide range of marine plants and animals.

Black Ooze is particularly famous for its bird population, attracting thousands of migratory birds throughout the year. Visitors can observe a variety of species, including wading birds, ducks, geese, and terns. The marsh also supports rare plants and insects that have adapted to the saline environment.

Access to Black Ooze is possible via designated footpaths and bird hides, allowing visitors to explore and appreciate the unique ecosystem while minimizing disturbance to wildlife. The marshland offers breathtaking views of the surrounding coastal area, with its vast open skies and panoramic vistas.

Overall, Black Ooze, Suffolk, is a remarkable coastal marsh that offers a glimpse into the diverse and delicate ecosystems found in the region. Its unique black soil, abundant birdlife, and stunning natural landscapes make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.

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

Black Ooze Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.025063/1.1710199 or Grid Reference TM1741. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Freston Tower A brick built towner probably dating from the 16th Century: <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freston_Tower" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freston_Tower">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>. It now belongs to the Landmark Trust and can be rented as a holdiay home: <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://www.landmarktrust.org.uk/search-and-book/properties/freston-tower-7680/#Overview" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://www.landmarktrust.org.uk/search-and-book/properties/freston-tower-7680/#Overview">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
Freston Tower
A brick built towner probably dating from the 16th Century: LinkExternal link. It now belongs to the Landmark Trust and can be rented as a holdiay home: LinkExternal link
Freston Tower Freston Tower, owned by The Landmark Trust. We stayed there in October 2005!
Freston Tower
Freston Tower, owned by The Landmark Trust. We stayed there in October 2005!
'The Boot' inn at Freston, Suffolk This inn stands on Freston Hill on the B.1456
'The Boot' inn at Freston, Suffolk
This inn stands on Freston Hill on the B.1456
The Lych Gate to St. Peter's church, Freston, Suffolk
The Lych Gate to St. Peter's church, Freston, Suffolk
St.Peters Freston St.Peters church Freston Suffolk. For more info see <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.suffolkchurches.co.uk/freston.html" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.suffolkchurches.co.uk/freston.html">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> and photo <a title="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/484426" href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/484426">Link</a>
St.Peters Freston
St.Peters church Freston Suffolk. For more info see LinkExternal link and photo Link
The Wooden War Memorial This is a wooden war memorial in the churchyard of St. Peter's Church, Freston, Suffolk. For more info see <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.suffolkchurches.co.uk/freston.html" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.suffolkchurches.co.uk/freston.html">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> and <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/484419">TM1739 : St.Peters Freston</a>
The Wooden War Memorial
This is a wooden war memorial in the churchyard of St. Peter's Church, Freston, Suffolk. For more info see LinkExternal link and TM1739 : St.Peters Freston
Foreshore at Woolverstone Looking upstream from the end of the public footpath towards the Orwell Bridge.
Foreshore at Woolverstone
Looking upstream from the end of the public footpath towards the Orwell Bridge.
River Orwell saltmarsh An area of saltmarsh at Freston, on the west bank of the River Orwell. The areas of saltmarsh - or 'saltings' - in the river have eroded considerably in recent decades. This may be partly due to the effect of wash from larger vessels using the port of Ipswich.
River Orwell saltmarsh
An area of saltmarsh at Freston, on the west bank of the River Orwell. The areas of saltmarsh - or 'saltings' - in the river have eroded considerably in recent decades. This may be partly due to the effect of wash from larger vessels using the port of Ipswich.
River Orwell foreshore On the Freston foreshore the saltings have eroded, leaving only remnants of slightly harder soil. These apparent 'rocks' are in fact lumps of hardened mud, which will probably disappear in time.
River Orwell foreshore
On the Freston foreshore the saltings have eroded, leaving only remnants of slightly harder soil. These apparent 'rocks' are in fact lumps of hardened mud, which will probably disappear in time.
River Orwell tributary This unnamed stream enters the River Orwell from Freston Park.
River Orwell tributary
This unnamed stream enters the River Orwell from Freston Park.
Freston Park The parkland extends to the river bank, by the line of gorse bushes. The River Orwell and the Orwell Bridge can be seen in the distance.
Freston Park
The parkland extends to the river bank, by the line of gorse bushes. The River Orwell and the Orwell Bridge can be seen in the distance.
Freston Park and Tower The parkland surrounds the tower and neighbouring farmhouse. The folly is owned by the Landmark Trust, and is rented out as one of their more unusual properties.
Freston Park and Tower
The parkland surrounds the tower and neighbouring farmhouse. The folly is owned by the Landmark Trust, and is rented out as one of their more unusual properties.
Riverbank tree This dead tree is on the bank of the River Orwell, below Freston Tower, which can be seen behind the gorse bushes.
Riverbank tree
This dead tree is on the bank of the River Orwell, below Freston Tower, which can be seen behind the gorse bushes.
River Orwell transit beacon The beacon used to be much larger, and higher, and acted as a transit against Freston Tower on the hillside behind. It was used before the Orwell was dredged and straightened and enabled sailing vessels to steer the right course on the then tortuous journey upstream to Ipswich.
River Orwell transit beacon
The beacon used to be much larger, and higher, and acted as a transit against Freston Tower on the hillside behind. It was used before the Orwell was dredged and straightened and enabled sailing vessels to steer the right course on the then tortuous journey upstream to Ipswich.
Freston Park Looking over to the River Orwell from below Freston Tower.
Freston Park
Looking over to the River Orwell from below Freston Tower.
Eroding saltmarsh Lumps of solidified mud remain, remnants of the former extensive saltmarsh on the bank of the River Orwell. On top of the lumps, edible sea purslane (Halimione portulacoides) is growing. In the background is the Orwell Bridge.
Eroding saltmarsh
Lumps of solidified mud remain, remnants of the former extensive saltmarsh on the bank of the River Orwell. On top of the lumps, edible sea purslane (Halimione portulacoides) is growing. In the background is the Orwell Bridge.
Edge of the saltmarsh It can be seen how easily this saltmarsh on the west bank of the River Orwell is being eroded by high tides and waves. The edge is very fragile, despite being covered in places with sea purslane.
Edge of the saltmarsh
It can be seen how easily this saltmarsh on the west bank of the River Orwell is being eroded by high tides and waves. The edge is very fragile, despite being covered in places with sea purslane.
Freston Tower This Landmark Trust-owned tower was built in the mid 16th century and is reputed to be England's oldest folly. But is it a folly? Rumour has it that it was built by William Latymer for Lord de Freston as a remote place of study for the Lord's daughter Ellen.  Apparently she had the use of each of the six floors of the tower for a specific purpose, hence the much quoted instruction:

    The Lower Room to charity from 7 to 8 o'clock
    The Second to working tapestry from 9 to 10
    The Third to music from 10 to noon
    The Fourth to painting from 12 to 1
    The Fifth to literature from 1 to 2
    The Sixth to astronomy at even

Other legends say it was a lookout, or signalling tower, dominating as it does the River Orwell.  Or it may have simply been a folly...

Following the Landmark Trust's acquisition of the tower in 1999, it was renovated and opened as a holiday home in May 2004.
Freston Tower
This Landmark Trust-owned tower was built in the mid 16th century and is reputed to be England's oldest folly. But is it a folly? Rumour has it that it was built by William Latymer for Lord de Freston as a remote place of study for the Lord's daughter Ellen. Apparently she had the use of each of the six floors of the tower for a specific purpose, hence the much quoted instruction: The Lower Room to charity from 7 to 8 o'clock The Second to working tapestry from 9 to 10 The Third to music from 10 to noon The Fourth to painting from 12 to 1 The Fifth to literature from 1 to 2 The Sixth to astronomy at even Other legends say it was a lookout, or signalling tower, dominating as it does the River Orwell. Or it may have simply been a folly... Following the Landmark Trust's acquisition of the tower in 1999, it was renovated and opened as a holiday home in May 2004.
Show me another place!

Black Ooze is located at Grid Ref: TM1741 (Lat: 52.025063, Lng: 1.1710199)

Administrative County: Suffolk

District: Ipswich

Police Authority: Suffolk

What 3 Words

///decays.madness.allowable. Near Ipswich, Suffolk

Nearby Locations

Black Ooze

Related Wikis

Pipers Vale

Pipers Vale is a 19.7 hectare Local Nature Reserve on the southern outskirts of Ipswich in Suffolk. It is owned and managed by Ipswich Borough Council...

Orwell Bridge

The Orwell Bridge is a concrete box girder bridge just south of Ipswich in Suffolk, England. Opened to road traffic in 1982, the bridge carries the A14...

Leighton Road Evangelical Church, Ipswich

Leighton Road Evangelical Church is a nonconformist independent evangelical church located on the Gainsborough estate, Ipswich in the English county of...

Gainsborough, Ipswich

Gainsborough is an area of Ipswich, in the Ipswich district, in the county of Suffolk, England. It was named after the artist Thomas Gainsborough of Sudbury...

Bridge Wood

Bridge Wood is a 31 hectare Local Nature Reserve on the southern outskirts of Ipswich in Suffolk, England. It is owned and managed by Ipswich Borough Council...

Greenwich, Ipswich

Greenwich is a suburban area of Ipswich, in the Ipswich district, in the county of Suffolk, England. For many years it was a hamlet included in the parish...

Freston Tower

Freston Tower is a six-storey red brick folly south of Ipswich, Suffolk in the village of Freston. It stands on the banks of the River Orwell. == History... ==

Ipswich Gymnastics Centre

Ipswich Gymnastics Centre in Ipswich is one of only three fully London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games (LOCOG) accredited gymnastics facilities...

Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 52.025063,1.1710199
Created By: almien_coastlines
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 52.0294428/1.1702959
Created By: almien_coastlines
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 52.029039/1.1706233
Created By: almien_coastlines
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 52.0281388/1.1711229
Created By: almien_coastlines
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 52.027275/1.171607
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 52.0271038/1.1719009
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 52.0265229/1.1722014
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 52.026107/1.1725339
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 52.0252224/1.1731562
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 52.0248329/1.1735639
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 52.0240001/1.1743209
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 52.0234979/1.1750681
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 52.023482/1.1754742
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 52.0230283/1.1759193
Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 52.0225355/1.1765358
Barrier: kissing_gate
Lat/Long: 52.0272365/1.1754239
Barrier: kissing_gate
Lat/Long: 52.0266238/1.1726134
Barrier: stile
Foot: yes
Lat/Long: 52.0242085/1.1771493
Barrier: stile
Stile: squeezer
Lat/Long: 52.0271396/1.1736435
Bench
Lat/Long: 52.0292425/1.1732865
Bench
Lat/Long: 52.0279117/1.1733294
Barrier: stile
Lat/Long: 52.027884/1.1743704
Phone
Emergency: phone
Lat/Long: 52.0270133/1.1751104
Seamark Buoy Lateral Category: starboard
Seamark Buoy Lateral Colour: green
Seamark Buoy Lateral Shape: conical
Seamark Light Character: Fl
Seamark Light Colour: green
Seamark Light Period: 2.5
Seamark Name: Pond Ooze
Seamark Type: buoy_lateral
Lat/Long: 52.0228804/1.1684831
Seamark Buoy Lateral Category: starboard
Seamark Buoy Lateral Colour: green
Seamark Buoy Lateral Shape: conical
Seamark Buoy Lateral System: iala-a
Seamark Light Character: Q
Seamark Light Colour: green
Seamark Name: East Bridge
Seamark Type: buoy_lateral
Lat/Long: 52.0255178/1.1663641
Seamark Buoy Lateral Category: port
Seamark Buoy Lateral Colour: red
Seamark Buoy Lateral Shape: can
Seamark Light Character: Fl
Seamark Light Colour: red
Seamark Light Period: 2.5
Seamark Name: Redgate
Seamark Type: buoy_lateral
Lat/Long: 52.0226757/1.1674531
Seamark Buoy Lateral Category: port
Seamark Buoy Lateral Colour: red
Seamark Buoy Lateral Shape: can
Seamark Buoy Lateral System: iala-a
Seamark Light Character: Q
Seamark Light Colour: red
Seamark Name: West Bridge
Seamark Type: buoy_lateral
Lat/Long: 52.0262424/1.1642155
Speed Camera
Lat/Long: 52.0268371/1.17437
Phone
Emergency: phone
Operator: Samaritans
Lat/Long: 52.0270925/1.1742396
Phone
Emergency: phone
Operator: Samaritans
Lat/Long: 52.0268248/1.1742596
Waste Basket
Waste: dog_excrement
Lat/Long: 52.0271275/1.1735938
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

Have you been to Black Ooze?

Leave your review of Black Ooze below (or comments, questions and feedback).