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Essex
- Places of Interest
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Marsh Farm Country Park
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Marsh Farm Road, South Woodham Ferrers, Chelmsford, Essex CM3 5WP
Tel: 01245 321552
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 Marsh Farm Country Park overlooks the River Crouch and is surrounded by its creeks on
three sides. The Park is a SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest), as it is a good example
of Essex grazing marshes, carrying such rare plants
as sea barley and grass vetchling. It is also internationally important as an over-wintering
site for brent geese. Over 150 species of bird have
been seen around the Park. Every winter the marshes
are invaded by droves of wildfowl, making Marsh
Farm a popular birdwatching spot.
Marsh Farm Country Park has been many things during its history. Iron age settlers
were attracted here by a river rich for fishing, hunting
and salt. There is evidence of salt making scattered
across the site in the form of saltpans and `red hills':
saltwater was evaporated
 by the sun or by using very hot
stones, which left a red earth deposit. The sea salt left
behind was a highly valued commodity. Over 300 years
ago the marshes were drained. A sea-wall was built by
the Dutch, transforming tidal creeks into the
grazing marshes we see at Marsh Farm today.
In dry weather the sea wall offers a wide,
level path; however, during the winter months it
becomes very muddy. The Open Farm is fully accessible for wheelchairs.
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Aldermaston, Berkshire, UK RG7 8TN
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