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| Priests Pot | ||
|---|---|---|
| Type | Hydrosere tarn | |
| Inflows | Black Beck | |
| Outflows | Black Beck | |
| Max. Depth | 4 metres (13 feet) est. | |
| Surface Elevation | 66 metres (216 feet) | |
| Access | No access | |
| Topo Map | OL7 Explorer | |
| Coordinates | 54.372109 , -2.9906094 | |
| OS Grid Ref. | SD357978 | |
| what3words | bookings.stuffing.disprove | |
Priests Pot is a small tarn at the northern end of Esthwaite Water, a short distance south-east of Hawkshead. It was once part of the larger lake formation of Esthwaite before is was cut off by alluvial deposits from Black Beck, and other natural processes (see formation). This ultimately kick-started the development of the reed fern carr (wetland area) that now completely surrounds this tarn.[1] Created by natural processes after the ice had excavated the basins of the lake, this unassuming tarn is protected by the encompassing Esthwaite Water Site of Special Scientific Interest (1987) and Ramsar (1991) status. It is adjacent to the North Fen National Nature Reserve.
The tarn is estimated to be around 4 metres (13 feet) deep, lying at an elevation of 66 metres (216 feet).
Formation
Priests Pot has developed over a long period time into what is called a hydrosere. This is the natural process of plant succession, the changing from one state to another. In this case flora plays a part in transforming an area of fresh water into marshland. What was once open water will eventually dry out and becoming woodland.[2] Part of this process occurs when "silt washed in by streams....gets trapped in the roots of the common reed, gradually transforming open water into marsh. Storm-blown debris from reed beds along the lake shore, driven northwards by the prevailing wind into the narrowing neck of the lake, may have played a part in sealing off the embryo tarn. Grasses, shrubs, willow and alder would eventually have gained a foothold in the advancing marsh to form the carr."[1] There are several stages for the completion of this process: phytoplankton → submerged → floating → reed swap → sedge-meadow → woodland → climax. This final stage could be forest if humid, grassland if sub-humid, and desert if arid or semi-arid.[2]
Access
Due to its development as a hydrosere, the tarn is not accessible in any way. It can be viewed from the B5285, or at least the trees that line the wetland's eastern aspect. Although there is nowhere to park along this section of road, there is a path that runs parallel to the road on the other side of the dry stone wall. This forms part of the Claife Community Bridleway, that has been in development for a number of years to provide a safe, off-road walking route between Hawkshead and Near Sawrey. Phase one of this path was opened to the public on 27 April, 2018.[3] This path only passes by Priests Pot. Between the path and the tarn there is agricultural land.