Canisfamiliaris

This is one of my regular walks with Beattie. This part of Suffolk is very gently undulating and 'hills' do not feature in the landscape! Herringfleet Hills is a small piece of 'open access' land and is a fragment of the type of open heath land, known as Sandlings, that used to predominate in this part of coastal Suffolk.

The walk is over the open heath into woodland at the edge of the River Waveney marshes. From here we walk out to the river and the old wooden drainage mill, the last of its kind. Returning along the bridleway, walk through the woods back to the starting point.

One of the highlights of this walk is the 500 year old oak trees that were used as a source of timber by the marshmen in the past.

Herringfleet Hills

The start of our walk - just follow the footpath

Beattie knows the way

Beattie knows the way!

The hills!

These are the 'hills'!

Gorse

The gorse is beautiful, especially on a sunny day

Herringfleet Hills

Looking back along our route

Fallen oak

Into the woods, passing a fallen oak ...

Woodland path

... heading downhill towards the marshes

The marshes

On the marshes, looking back towards the woodland

The marshes

In the summer months the marshes are grazed by cattle and sheep, so Beattie has to be on the lead!
But today, they are clear of stock

Herringfleet 'smock' mill

Herringfleet 'smock' mill
This wooden drainage mill is the last survivor of its type in Broadland. It was built c1820 to drain the marshes and is maintained in full working order by Suffolk County Council. There are open days when the mill is set to work. With a good wind, in full sail, it can pump 2000 gallons of water a minute off the marshes! This 'smock' mill is a Dutch design and is said to resemble a shepherd's smock - hence the name.

Redundant!

Redundant!

Marsh marigolds

Last year's reeds have died back allowing the lovely marsh marigolds to flower before this year's new growth

Reedbeds

The reeds used to be harvested as thatching material. The reedbeds are quite extensive. The old marshman's house is on the other side of the river!

Mighty oak

Back on the woodland path
One of the 500 year old oak trees that were 'pollarded' by the marshmen as a source of timber ...

Pollarded oak

... and another
These ancient oak trees are spectacular and the highlight of our walk!

To post a comment click here

Comment from Lindsay Shaw
Good to have a look at your local habitat Derek. Looked a lovely day and Beattie off the lead !
Lindsay

Comment from Gary Richardson
Derek - lovely photos, it reminds me a little bit of the New Forest, my sister lives down there, and I really enjoy walking on the heathland when I'm down there, makes a change to all the mountains!
Gary ...

Return to top

PHOTO GALLERIES
Beattie
Lake District
Local Walks

LOCAL ARTICLES
Lothingland landscape
Lothingland history