Glade
← Back✦ Historic site

Ring ditches SW of Reed Island

8 ha

📷 David Kemp · Geograph · CC BY-SA 2.0

WildlifeBirdsHeritage
Public accessFree entryDogs welcome8 ha

Getting here

51.95369, 1.03463

Open directionsv
Google Maps↗Driving directionsApple Maps↗Driving directionsWaze↗Live driving navigationGoogle Transit↗Bus, rail or tramApple Transit↗Bus, rail or tram

Visiting this summer

Seasonal nature notes and what to look for now

  • 🌞Midsummer — early morning visits most comfortable; look for deer fawns in quieter clearings
  • ✦Historic character is a year-round quality here — summer brings its own atmosphere to the setting
  • 🐕Dogs welcome — bring water in summer; the site has enough space to find shade on hot days

Good to know

  • £Free to visit — no entry charge
  • 🐕Dogs welcome

Best for

9 activities

Wildlife

Multi-group wildlife — Birds, Mammals, Reptiles; Multi-group wildlife — Birds, Mammals, Reptiles

Free

Bird watching

Birds — Mallard, Black-headed Gull, Robin +89 more · last seen 2026; Birds — Mallard, Black-headed Gull, Robin +89 more · last seen 2026

Free

Heritage

Historic site with public access

Free

Seasonal nature

Plants — Creeping Thistle, Common Nettle, Blackthorn +60 more · last seen 2026; Plants — Creeping Thistle, Common Nettle, Blackthorn +60 more · last seen 2026

Free

Insect spotting

Insects — 7-spot Ladybird, Willow Emerald Damselfly, Hairy Shieldbug +34 more · last seen 2026; Insects — 7-spot Ladybird, Willow Emerald Damselfly, Hairy Shieldbug +34 more · last seen 2026

Free

Waterside walks

Grazing marsh and ditches — waterside walking

Varies

Trails nearby

Within roughly 5 km
🚶

Walking

9 signed routes nearby · 11 public paths nearby

Signed route nearbyPublic paths
Stour Valley Path part 3Walking route
Named routeRegional walking route
Flatford and Constable Country Walk, FlatfordWalking route11.2 km

4 miles (6.4km) return from Manningtree to Flatford. Optional loop to Dedham adds another 3 miles (4.8km). Generally flat grass and gravel paths with some moderate slopes.

Named routeLength 11.2 kmDuration 03:30Round tripLocal walking route
St Edmund WayWalking route
Named routeListed length 142kmRegional walking route
Stour & Orwell WalkWalking route
Named routeRegional walking route
Stour Valley Path part 2Walking route
Named routeRegional walking route
🚴

Cycling

11 signed routes nearby

Signed route nearby
South Suffolk Route BCycling route
Named routeRef BRegional cycle route
Route 48Cycling route
Named routeRef 48Regional cycle route
South Suffolk Route B1Cycling route
Named routeRef B1Regional cycle route
South Suffolk Cycle Route A2 (Bures Loop)Cycling route
Named routeRef A2Regional cycle route
NCN National Route 1Cycling route
Named routeRef 1National Cycle Network
EuroVelo 12 - North Sea Cycle Route - part United Kingdom 1Cycling route
Named routeRef EV12International cycle route

Wildlife to spot

Photos

Lower Stour valley west of Manningtree

📷 David Kemp · Geograph · CC BY-SA 2.0

Lower Stour valley west of Manningtree

1 / 15

Weather for this location

Next 14 days

Loading local forecast…

Nearby places

Useful places within 5 km

🌱The Duchy FieldUrban park2.8 km→🌱RSPB Flatford Wildlife GardenUrban park1.3 km→✦Settlement site NNE of Lawford HouseHistoric site1.8 km→✦Neolithic enclosure 510m north-east of Lawford HouseHistoric site1.8 km→🌱Mistley Place ParkUrban park2.8 km→⚽The Duchy FieldPlaying field2.8 km→

Own or manage this place?

Claim this listing to keep details accurate, add photos, and highlight what makes it special — free.

Claim this page

How was your visit?

How useful was the information on this page?

id: 0b76a363-9b44-493d-90ba-aabb4693244b