The narrow valley, which has some peat deposits, is largely drained through a system of dykes and used as grassland with some areas of mixed woodland.

[4] Suffolk Wildlife Trust maintains a 20 hectares (49 acres) nature reserve at Darsham Marshes along this stretch of the river.

[6] The grazing marshes to the south of the Minsmere Levels provide over-wintering grounds for a variety of different waterfowl species.

[6] The original site of Leiston Abbey stood to the south of the river on the Minsmere Levels.

[7] Eastbridge Windpump was one of four drainage mills which stood on the Minsmere Levels alongside the river.