Freeman's Marsh is in the flood plain of the River Dun, which goes through the site. It has unimproved meadows, which have long been traditionally managed by grazing, marsh, reedbeds and scattered woodland. Many species of birds nest on the river bank and in the marshy meadows, including snipe, little grebes and mute swans, while sedge warblers, reed warblers and reed buntings nest in tall fen and reed.[3]