Harlow Marsh facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Harlow Marsh |
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| Type | Local Nature Reserve |
| Location | Harlow, Essex |
| OS grid | TL453117 |
| Area | 13.8 hectares |
| Managed by | Harlow District Council |
Harlow Marsh is a special natural area in Harlow, Essex. It's a Local Nature Reserve, which means it's protected for its wildlife and natural beauty. This amazing place covers about 13.8 hectares, which is like 34 football fields! The Harlow District Council takes care of it, making sure it stays a great home for plants and animals.
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Discover Harlow Marsh
Harlow Marsh is not just one big area. It's actually made up of three different parts, each with its own unique features. These parts are called Maymeads Marsh, Marshgate Spring, and Parndon Moat Marsh. Together, they create a wonderful habitat for many different creatures.
Exploring the Different Areas
Let's take a closer look at what you can find in each part of Harlow Marsh.
Maymeads Marsh: A Birdwatcher's Paradise
Maymeads Marsh, sometimes called Honeymead Marsh, is a fantastic spot for nature lovers. It has a pond filled with tall reeds, which are like natural hiding places for birds. There's even a special bird hide where you can quietly watch birds without disturbing them. This area also has beautiful wildflower meadows. These meadows are buzzing with many different kinds of insects, especially in the warmer months.
Over 100 types of birds have been seen here! Some of these are quite rare, like the little ringed plover and the ring ouzel. It's a great place to bring your binoculars and see how many different birds you can spot.
Parndon Moat Marsh: History and Nature Combined
Parndon Moat Marsh offers a mix of natural beauty and history. Here, you'll find peaceful ponds and lovely woodlands. There are also more wildflower meadows, just like in Maymeads Marsh. The area has drainage ditches and sedge beds, which are wet areas with grass-like plants.
One very interesting feature is a moat. This isn't just any old ditch; it's a Scheduled Monument. This means it's an important historical site that is protected by law. It's cool to think about the history while enjoying the nature around it!
Marshgate Spring: Ancient Woodlands and Wetlands
Marshgate Spring is known for its mature woodland. This means the trees here are quite old and well-grown. You'll see trees like oak and hornbeam, which are common in British woodlands. This part of the marsh also has its own wet areas with reeds and sedge beds, providing a home for different kinds of wetland plants and animals. It's a peaceful place to walk among the trees and enjoy the quiet.
How to Visit Harlow Marsh
Harlow Marsh is easy to reach for a day out in nature.
Maymeads Marsh is located between the River Stort and the railway line, just east of Harlow Town railway station. You can get there by following a footpath that runs along the southern side of the river.
To reach Marshgate Spring, you can find a footbridge over the railway line west of Maymeads Marsh. This bridge leads to a path, and the entrance to Marshgate Spring is along this path.
Parndon Moat Marsh has its entrance on the west side of Allende Avenue. It's also situated between the river and the railway line, making it fairly easy to find.
