Boat Hard

Coastal Marsh, Saltings in Suffolk East Suffolk

England

Boat Hard

Towards Falkenham A view from a boat on the Deben estuary on a fine August morning. The church (in <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/TM2939">TM2939</a>) is dedicated to St Ethelbert. — Towards Falkenham Credit: John Sutton

Boat Hard is a coastal marsh and saltings area located in Suffolk, England. It is situated on the eastern coast of the county, near the village of Bawdsey. The site is characterized by its unique landscape, which is comprised of salt marshes, tidal creeks, and mudflats.

The marshland at Boat Hard provides a valuable habitat for a diverse range of flora and fauna. The salt-tolerant vegetation, such as samphire and sea lavender, thrives in the brackish water and nutrient-rich mud. These plants, in turn, support a variety of bird species, including waders like redshanks, dunlins, and oystercatchers. The area is also a haven for migratory birds, as it serves as a stopping point along their journeys.

The tidal creeks and mudflats of Boat Hard are important feeding grounds for various species of fish and crustaceans. This makes the area attractive to local fishermen and birdwatchers alike, who can observe the diverse marine life that inhabits these waters.

Boat Hard is also of historical significance. Its name refers to the old boat landing, or 'hard,' that was once used by local fishermen and traders. The area has a rich maritime history, with evidence of boatbuilding and fishing activities dating back centuries.

Today, Boat Hard is managed by local conservation organizations in order to preserve its natural and cultural heritage. Visitors can enjoy walking along the coastal paths, observing the wildlife, and learning about the area's history. The site offers a peaceful and picturesque setting, attracting nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

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Boat Hard Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.022155/1.3569737 or Grid Reference TM3041. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Towards Falkenham

A view from a boat on the Deben estuary on a fine August morning. The church (in TM2939) is dedicated to St Ethelbert.

John Sutton

Ramsholt, Suffolk

A tiny hamlet of just a few houses. Compare with this shot taken 11 years previously TM3141 : Ramsholt, Suffolk, not much has changed. The largest building is the old school, which was in use until 1927: TM3141 : The Old School, Ramsholt

Chris Holifield

On the Deben estuary near Ramsholt

A picture taken from a boat sailing upstream towards Waldringfield. Two walkers are on the riverside footpath. All Saints' Church is on the skyline - "Above the Deben estuary. Round, or rather oval, Norman W tower with original archway into the nave. The tower was buttressed later, which gives it an odd outline" (Nikolaus Pevsner).

John Sutton

The Ramsholt Arms

A popular pub-restaurant on the Deben estuary, photographed from a boat heading upstream on a sunny August afternoon.

John Sutton

Near Ramsholt Dock

Looking towards the quay and The Ramsholt Arms from the water on a lovely August afternoon. The blue boat, PZ.61 "Maid Marion", is a celebrated Cornish lugger which was one of the little ships of the Dunkirk evacuation in 1940 (though actually diverted to assist at Le Havre). It came to the Deben Estuary after the War. For more about it, try Link

John Sutton

Passing The Ramsholt Arms

Taken from a boat cruising down the Deben estuary on a sunny August morning.

John Sutton

Ramsholt Dock and a war veteran

Boats, the popular Ramsholt Arms and the isolated church (half a mile away) are the reasons for visiting Ramsholt Dock. PZ.61 "Maid Marion" is a celebrated Cornish lugger which was one of the little ships of the Dunkirk evacuation in 1940 (though actually diverted to assist at Le Havre). It came to the Deben Estuary after the War. For more about it, try Link

John Sutton

Towards Ramsholt Church

The Grade II* listed round-towered All Saints' church is about a quarter of a mile from the riverside, and in TM3042. Two women and a dog (on the right) were taking the riverside footpath as our boat passed.

John Sutton

Ramsholt Arms, Ramsholt

A very popular stop-off for ramblers and boaters. In 1943 a B17 Flying Fortress crash landed in the River Deben just behind the camera. A memorial recording the event and in memory of the eight crew who were killed can be seen here. Link

Adrian S Pye

B17 aircrew and crash memorial at the Ramsholt Arms

The B-17 43-38568 (Little Davey II) took off from the 493rd Bomb Group’s airfield at Debach at 9.15am heading for Nuremberg. Almost immediately after take-off No 3 engine caught fire. The pilot 1st Lt. Frederick E Stindt feathered the prop and extinguished the fire, but the engine fire quickly re-established and the right wing also began to burn. His best hope was to ditch the plane in shallow water in the River Deben. He managed to follow the River Deben searching for somewhere suitable which turned out to be a point almost opposite the quay at Ramsholt or so he thought. Unfortunately the waters were deeper than he imagined and the plane immediately sank in eighteen feet of water. Only the pilot and Technical Sergeant Jewel K. Haynes the top turret gunner survived. The Ramsholt Arms. Link

Adrian S Pye

Ramsholt Dock, River Deben

Boats at anchor and a spare, well aweigh of the riverbed. The dock was very different on 20th February 1945. Link

Adrian S Pye

Ramsholt: towards the river

A reedy inlet of the Deben, seen from the path from Dock Road to Valley Farm on the cloudy morning of Boxing Day.

John Sutton

Ramsholt: bridle ways and The Old School House

The school's heyday was before the Great War - it closed in 1927. The village has dwindled further since then.

John Sutton

Ramsholt: the lane to the church

Standing water on the cloudy morning of Boxing Day.

John Sutton

Ramsholt: churchyard trees

Little is left of the remote village once served by this church.

John Sutton

Ramsholt: All Saints and a view to the Deben

"The buttressed septaria tower is round, not elliptical: illusion of ellipse created by ancient buttresses that run up to the top" (Norman Scarfe, Shell Guide).

John Sutton

Ramsholt: All Saints from the east

"The buttressed septaria tower is round, not elliptical: illusion of ellipse created by ancient buttresses that run up to the top" (Norman Scarfe, Shell Guide).

John Sutton