Unlike many of the other Essex NNRs, Hamford Water is not an estuary as it does not have a major river running into it. Instead it is classified as a coastal embayment that has been formed due to a natural dip in the underlying geology of the area. The bird life that this variety of habitats attracts is outstanding, especially the waders and waterfowl that can be seen in winter. The Stone Point area of this reserve is currently closed to the public due to ground nesting birds. Main habitats: salt marsh, intertidal mud flats, coastal, grazing marsh, sands, shingle, small freshwater ponds and ditches Area: 1,448 hectares View a map of the reserve (148KB) Management: most of the reserve is managed by Natural England. Skipper’s Island is managed by Essex Wildlife Trust. Features of interest In winter months, you can see the overwintering populations of waders and waterfowl that the site is known for, including dark-bellied Brent geese, black tailed godwits, redshank, ringed and grey plover and shelduck. There are a number of birds that breed on the site, including nationally important colonies of little tern and avocet. The coastal grasslands above the salt marshes also support one of Britain’s rarest plants – sea hog’s fennel. Hamford Water is one of only 2 sites in the country where you can find this plant, which is the food plant for the caterpillars of the nationally rare Fisher’s estuarine moth. The reserve is also a good place to spot common and grey seals. Directions All land on the site is in private ownership and permission must be obtained for access. Most of the reserve is closed due to ground-nesting birds. However, you can view a large proportion of the site from the surrounding sea wall which runs from Dover Court (Harwich) in the north to Walton-on-the-naze in the south. The reserve is approximately 5 kilometres south of Harwich and 1 kilometres north of Walton-on-the-naze. The sea wall runs from Dover Court in Harwich to Walton-on-the-naze. The nearest train station is Walton (2 kilometres away). Regular bus services run to Harwich and to Walton-on-the-naze. Regular boat trips run from Walton-on-the-naze to see the seals. To the north the area is bounded by the B1414 (accessed via the A120) and in the south by the B1034 (accessed via the A133). Access is limited but the area can be viewed from a sea wall that surrounds much of the site. Skipper’s Island is part of the NNR managed by the Essex Wildlife Trust. Visitors can access the island but must have prior permission to do so. For details telephone the trust on 01206 729678. Contact Email: enquiries@naturalengland.org.uk
Telephone: 0300 060 3900