Marsh Farm Country Park

Marsh Farm Country Park

Attraction (General)
in/near South Woodham Ferrers, Essex,
England South East

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Review added: 17/04/2006 11:46
By: EssexHoney (£0.00 earned from reviews) Earn £££'s

"Marsh Farm Country Park provides an enjoyable and educational day out for all the family. Marsh Farm is a working farm where children can get close to farm animals and play safely in adventure play areas. There is also a Country Park, which has excellent coastal walks and superb views of the River Crouch.
The land at Marsh Farm Country Park has seen many developments over time. Iron age settlers were attracted there by a river, rich for fishing, hunting and salt.
In Roman times Marsh Farm had several “Red Hills”. It is believed that these areas were where 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. Trading boomed and by the 15th century a wooden bridge had been built across to Hullbridge, only to be destroyed in the Civil War around 1645.
Marsh Farm overlooks the River Crouch and is surrounded by its creeks on three sides. The creeks of Woodham are the furthest inland stretches of the sea in Essex, with the exception of Battlesbridge, a few miles to the south-west. The Country Park is a good example of Essex grazing marshes, carrying rare plants such as sea barley and grass vetchling.
Sheep can be seen grazing on the sea walls and dykes during the summer months, which helps create a unique habitat for rare coastal plants.
The Country Park is recognised as an internationally important site for over-wintering brent geese. Every winter the marshes are visited by hundreds of wildfowl and waders. Over 150 species of bird have been seen around the Country Park, making Marsh Farm the perfect spot for bird watching all year round.

There is so much to see and do at Marsh Farm! You will be able to see:
A working farm in action
Sheep in the shed and grazing on the marshes
Lambing in the sheep shed during February, March, April and October
Shearing in the sheep shed during May and June
Cows and calves
Cows being milked
See the large pregnant sows and boars from our upstairs viewing platform
Young piglets all year round
See how quickly the piglets grow in the weaner house
Free range hens
Ducks on the pond
Ponies in their stables and out in the paddocks
Goats and their kids
Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, Rats, Chipmunks, Chinchillas etc in the Pet Shed
Chicks hatching in March, April and May
Farm dogs in their kennels
There is also:
Large outdoor play area surrounded by picnic tables, with swings, slides, climb on tractors, wooden fort, rope swings, aerial runway, wooden animals etc.
Play Barn with playhouses and ride on vehicles.
Soft play area with toddler section
Trikes to ride around the farm
Indoor sandpit
As well as demonstrations and rides!
Animal feed can be purchased for an additional 20p per bag, great to let little ones feed the animals!
There are also 3 activity rooms. The sheep activity room, the cattle activity room, and the pig activity rooms. Where you can learn more about each of the animals.

Admission Prices
Adult: £5.80
Children: (3-16) £3.40
Under 3's: Free
Concessions: £4.20
Family tickets (admits 2 adults and 2 children): £17.00

The Visitor Centre houses The Corner Shop, a Gift Shop and the Tearoom. Entrance to the shops and Tearoom is free.
Opening Times: 11.00am to 4.30pm everyday until the 27th October, then weekends only from the 27th October to the 17th December
In The Corner Shop you can buy Marsh Farm sausages, bacon, pork and free range eggs, as well as Tiptree Jams, ice cream made in Colchester, goats cheese and goats milk made in Maldon and home made cakes from Bury Farm Bakery in Herts.
The licensed Tearoom sells a range of sandwiches, hot snacks and beverages to enjoy on your visit to Marsh Farm or as a rest stop on a walk in the Country Park.

Contact Details
Telephone: 01245 321552
Marsh Farm Country Park
Marsh Farm Road
South Woodham Ferrers
Essex. CM3 5WP"

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