Colne Estuary National Nature Reserve is made up of 3 diverse areas: the grazing marshes of Brightlingsea, intertidal mudflats at East Mersea Flats, and salt marsh and shingle at Colne Point. Entry is by permit only. Main habitats: grazing marsh, ditches, ponds, intertidal mudflats, salt marsh, sand dune Area: 576 hectares Management: Natural England and the Essex Wildlife Trust View maps:
Brightlingsea Marsh (213KB)
East Mersea (133KB)
Colne Point (146KB)
Features of interest The extensive ancient grazing marsh at Brightlingsea is covered with large anthills of the yellow meadow ant - an indication that the marsh hasn’t been ploughed for a long period of time. About 100 cattle graze on the marshes for most of the summer period. A system of sluices controls the water levels on the marsh and its ditches and ponds; all fed from a spring lying above the marsh. East Mersea Flats is an important area for waders and waterfowl, especially as a feeding ground in winter. There are significant populations of grey plover, black-tailed godwit, dunlin, sanderlin and turnstone and waterfowl such as Brent geese and widgeon. Pacific oysters, an invasive alien species, have unfortunately been introduced to the area and need managing so that they don’t out-compete native oysters and other native species. Colne Point’s salt marsh and shingle also attract a wide variety of bird life, and is an important area for breeding birds. In summer months, you can see ringed plovers, oystercatchers and the nationally rare little tern at Colne Point. Further information about Colne Point, its wildlife and special features is on the Colne Point page of the Essex Wildlife Trust’s website. Directions The reserve is 10 to 15 kilometres south east of Colchester. The nearest railway station is in Wivenhoe, 6 kilometres to the north of the reserve. Brightlingsea Marshes are adjacent to the town of Brightlingsea. The town is accessed via the B1029 (from the A133). A regular bus service from Colchester is provided by First Essex Buses. Access to Brightlingsea Marsh is by permit only; however, the marshes can be viewed from sea wall which runs from Brightlingsea to Colchester. Colne Point is 5 kilometres south of Brightlingsea. The nearest village is St Osyth (off the B1027) and there are First Essex bus services to the village from Colchester and Clacton. Normal access is limited to members of the Essex Wildlife Trust. Non-members must contact the trust for prior permission by telephoning 01206 729678. The East Mersea reserve is 5 kilometres to the east of West Mersea town (on the B1025). There are First Essex bus services to the town from Colchester. East Mersea flats are not open to the public for safety reasons. However, they can also be seen from the sea wall. Alternatively, on the other side of Mersea Island there is a country park called Cudmore Grove which is open to the public. Contact Email: enquiries@naturalengland.org.uk
Telephone: 0300 060 3900