Photographs and Information on Bardney Lock
The River Witham at Bardney Lock…
Could there be a more tranquil place than where the river Witham passes through Bardney Lock in Lincolnshire? Steep embankments line the river’s route as it gently meanders its way through the countryside. Home to the occasional canal boat and patient fisherman it is a haven for wildlife and a reminder of times gone by.
The old, dissused sugar beet factory still stands tall close by and the grounds are teeming with birds from peregrine falcons to buzzards, ducks, swans, kestrels, owls and many more.
I chose this particular part of the river as my starting point because it is the area which I frequent the most, Bardney is a gateway to some wonderful places; Chambers Farm Woods, Nocton Fen and Wasps Nest, College Wood, Tupholme Abbey, Southery Wood all within a short drive of one another.
Little is made of the history around this area and that is a shame, the Witham river is an ancient one which is said to predate the Celts and it was the Romans (who else?) which transformed the river into an invaluable route across the county and towards the east coast. Bardney lock was originally constructed in the late 1700’s and refurbished in 1865. The bridge area has been sadly neglected and overgrown but the brickwork remains intact and lovely to see.
The high sided tidal banks offer a great view of the surrounding countryside but it’s worth stepping down closer to the rivers edge to get a real feel for the river and all that inhabit it. I have never fished the river but I am told it makes for excellent winter pike fishing and I can believe it, this is classic pike territory with plenty of smaller fish for them to feed on.
What I love is the way small tributries flow off from the main river and cut through the surrounding fenland. They are such peaceful stretches of water and perfect places for swans to rear their young and the occasional kingfisher to spend a morning fishing. It is easy to be distracted by these stretches of water which is what I love about the Witham. You cannot help but wonder how much history these waters have seen…
Mute Swan near Bardney Lock
Miles,
that’s a lovely spot, you’ve done it justice !
It’s certainly very ancient as well, I’m sure there will be all sorts of connections between Bardney Abbey, the river and associated traffic and trade
Superb !
Rod
August 24, 2010 @ 8:01 am
Rod,
You’re quite right, the Abbey’s history sounds fascinating, pity it’s not much more than earthworks now.
Miles
August 24, 2010 @ 12:57 pm
Miles,
I am glad that you are sharing some wonderful areas of Lincolnshire, enhanced by your wonderful photographs.
Whenever I read about areas to go to in the UK which are often listed county by county, very little is said about Lincolnshire. So people may be forgiven for thinking that this is ‘just a flat farming area’ with only the odd places of particular historic interest.
Thank you for showing us how lucky we are and what others are missing out on..
Anne
August 25, 2010 @ 6:58 pm
Anne,
Good point but who’s to blame for the misconception? The tourism board could do more to promote the county and its heritage sites.
It’s a shame.
Miles
August 25, 2010 @ 9:21 pm