Castle Marsh

Coastal Marsh, Saltings in Suffolk East Suffolk

England

Castle Marsh

St.John the Baptist Barnby The village church of St.John the Baptist Barnby, Suffolk; for info on the church see <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.suffolkchurches.co.uk/barnby.htm" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.suffolkchurches.co.uk/barnby.htm">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> — St.John the Baptist Barnby Credit: Keith Evans

Castle Marsh is a picturesque coastal marshland located in Suffolk, England. Situated along the eastern coast of the county, it is known for its stunning views and diverse ecosystem. The marsh is part of the larger Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers.

Covering an area of approximately 500 acres, Castle Marsh is characterized by its vast expanses of salt marshes and saltings. These marshes are flooded by the tides and are home to a wide variety of plant and animal species. The landscape is dominated by reed beds, salt-tolerant grasses, and mudflats, providing a unique habitat for numerous bird species, including wading birds, waterfowl, and migratory birds.

Visitors to Castle Marsh can explore a network of footpaths and trails that crisscross the area, allowing for a closer look at the marshland's rich biodiversity. The marsh is a renowned birdwatching spot, attracting birdwatchers from far and wide who come to catch a glimpse of rare and elusive species. It also offers opportunities for activities such as walking, cycling, and picnicking, making it a perfect destination for a day trip or a weekend getaway.

Castle Marsh is not only an important wildlife habitat but also plays a crucial role in flood defense and coastal erosion management. The marsh acts as a natural barrier, protecting the surrounding areas from storm surges and high tides. Its conservation and management are therefore vital for the overall ecological health of the region.

In summary, Castle Marsh in Suffolk is a captivating coastal marshland boasting stunning views, abundant wildlife, and recreational opportunities. Its unique ecosystem and role in flood defense make it a valuable and cherished natural asset in the Suffolk landscape.

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Castle Marsh Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.468607/1.6482942 or Grid Reference TM4791. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

St.John the Baptist Barnby

The village church of St.John the Baptist Barnby, Suffolk; for info on the church see Link

Keith Evans

'The Swan Inn' Barnby

Primarily a restaurant these days. Link

Adrian S Pye

The sign of 'The Swan Inn'.

Link

Adrian S Pye

The Swan Inn, Barnby

Ian Robertson

St John the Baptist's Church, Barnby (1)

This tiny and unusually narrow church is located right beside the A146 (Beccles Road) and still so hidden behind trees that it is very easy to miss. Apart from wall paintings that are believed to date from the 14th century this church is also noteworthy for its east window, and for several small roundels in the south nave windows created by stained glass artist M.E.A. Rope > TM4889 : St John the Baptist's Church - stained glass window by M.E.A. Rope and TM4889 : Stained glass roundel by M.E.A. Rope (1) / TM4889 : Stained glass roundel by M.E.A. Rope (2) / TM4889 : Stained glass roundel by M.E.A. Rope (3) / TM4889 : Stained glass roundel by M.E.A. Rope (4).

Evelyn Simak

St John the Baptist's Church, Barnby (2)

This tiny and unusually narrow church is located right beside the A146 (Beccles Road) and still so hidden behind trees that it is very easy to miss. Apart from wall paintings that are believed to date from the 14th century this church is also noteworthy for its east window and for several small roundels in the south nave windows created by stained glass artist M.E.A. Rope > TM4889 : St John the Baptist's Church - stained glass window by M.E.A. Rope and TM4889 : Stained glass roundel by M.E.A. Rope (1) / TM4889 : Stained glass roundel by M.E.A. Rope (2) / TM4889 : Stained glass roundel by M.E.A. Rope (3) / TM4889 : Stained glass roundel by M.E.A. Rope (4).

Evelyn Simak

St John the Baptist's Church, Barnby - view east

Evelyn Simak

St John the Baptist's Church, Barnby - view west

Evelyn Simak

St John the Baptist's Church - stained glass window by M.E.A. Rope

Stained glass window by M.E.A. Rope, dated 1963, with a tortoise as a signature - an excellent example of the artist's later period work. To distinguish herself from her namesake cousin Marga (Margaret Agnes Rope) - also a stained glass artist - she used the professional name of M.E. Aldrich Rope (incorporating her mother's maiden name) or M.E.A. Rope. Because of her nickname 'Tor' (short for tortoise), she occasionally used a tortoise as a signature for some of her windows. M.E.A. Rope also created the four stained glass roundels in the nave windows, all depicting scenes from the life of St John the Baptist: TM4889 : Stained glass roundel by M.E.A. Rope (1) / TM4889 : Stained glass roundel by M.E.A. Rope (2) / TM4889 : Stained glass roundel by M.E.A. Rope (3) / TM4889 : Stained glass roundel by M.E.A. Rope (4) For views of the church exterior see TM4889 : St John the Baptist's Church, Barnby (1) and TM4889 : St John the Baptist's Church, Barnby (2) For more information on the work of M.E. Aldrich Rope see Link

Evelyn Simak

Stained glass roundel by M.E.A. Rope (1)

Stained glass roundel depicting a scene from the life of St John the Baptist, by M.E.A. Rope, in St John the Baptist's church, Barnby > TM4889 : St John the Baptist's Church, Barnby (1) / TM4889 : St John the Baptist's Church, Barnby (2). The east window in this church is by the same artist > TM4889 : St John the Baptist's Church - stained glass window by M.E.A. Rope. To distinguish herself from her namesake cousin Marga (Margaret Agnes Rope) - also a stained glass artist - she used the professional name of M.E. Aldrich Rope (incorporating her mother's maiden name) or M.E.A. Rope. Because of her nickname 'Tor' (short for tortoise), she occasionally used a tortoise as a signature for some of her windows. For more information on the work of M.E. Aldrich Rope see Link

Evelyn Simak

Stained glass roundel by M.E.A. Rope (2)

Evelyn Simak

Stained glass roundel by M.E.A. Rope (3)

Evelyn Simak

Stained glass roundel by M.E.A. Rope (4)

Evelyn Simak

Bench mark on Barnby St John the Baptist church, Suffolk

The cut bench mark is slightly damaged by weathering and is situated on the north face of the north-west corner of the tower roughly 30cm from ground level at TM 48063 89934. For more information on this and other bench marks visit the bench mark database > Link

Adrian S Pye

Barnby St John the Baptistâs church

The church is thatched and sits comfortably in its rural setting; hardly noticeable from the busy road it is hidden behind tall trees. Within the embattled tower, the single 15th c. bell is inscribed in Latin, “May the bell of St John resound for many years”. An irregular shaped stoup is inside the blocked north door. There are a number of wall paintings from the 15th c. and are well preserved. A very rare banner-stave locker is still maintained with its original door which is the only example in existence. The locker is roughly 80 inches high, 11 wide and 12 inches deep.

Adrian S Pye