Freeman's Marsh

Freeman's Marsh
Site of Special Scientific Interest
Freeman's Marsh is located in Berkshire
Freeman's Marsh
Location within Berkshire
LocationBerkshire
Grid referenceSU 329 686[1]
Coordinates51°24′54″N 1°31′55″W / 51.415°N 1.532°W / 51.415; -1.532
InterestBiological
Area25.1 hectares (62 acres)[1]
Notification1986[1]
Location mapMagic Map

Freeman's Marsh is a 25.1-hectare (62-acre) biological Site of Special Scientific Interest on the northern outskirts of Hungerford in Berkshire.[1][2] It is in the North Wessex Downs, which is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.[3] The site is owned by the Town and Manor of Hungerford.[4]

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]

The site is crossed by public footpaths.[5]

References

  1. ^ a b c d "Designated Sites View: Freeman's Marsh". Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Natural England. Retrieved 15 October 2019.
  2. ^ "Map of Freeman's Marsh". Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Natural England. Retrieved 15 October 2019.
  3. ^ a b "Freeman's Marsh citation" (PDF). Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Natural England. Retrieved 15 October 2019.
  4. ^ "Freeman's Marsh". The Town & Manor of Hungerford & Liberty of Sanden Fee. Retrieved 15 October 2019.
  5. ^ Explorer 158: Newbury & Hungerford (Map). Ordnance Survey. ISBN 9780319243510.