Essex Bird Sites

Adjacent to the River Thames, this former Ministry of Defence firing range covering 870 acres is managed by the RSPB. A mixture of shallow lagoons, lowland grazing marsh dissected by ditches, reedbed and woodland provides habitat for a wide range of bird species.

Two Tree Island is a 630 acre reserve situated off Leigh on Sea and is managed by Essex Wildlife Trust. It is designated as a site of Special Scientific Interest, Special Protection Area and a National Nature Reserve.

In addition to a large area of salt marsh/mudflat its variety of habitats, including mixed scrub, rough grassland, reedbed and fresh water and saline lagoons ensure that it features a wide variety of species throughout the year.

This 272 acre nature reserve is managed by the RSPB, it consists of a large freshwater lagoon, reedbed and saline lagoon with some grassland and scrub.

It is a haven for many wetland bird species and is notable for almost annually hosting a rarity or two.

Nestled between Burnham on Crouch and Foulness and Potton Islands at the confluence of the rivers Crouch and Roach, this RSPB managed reserve which covers an area of 1800 acres, consists of a mosaic of saltmarsh, lagoons, wetland, grassland and grazing marsh abutted by arable farmland.

This former site of an ammunitions works is now 125 acres of grassland and hawthorn woodland/scrub bounded on its south and west sides by tidal creeks and saltings whilst along its eastern side runs Pitsea Hall fleet with an extensive reedbed.

The country park, managed by Basildon Council, supports a large and diverse range of species justified by it being designated as Site of Special Scientific Interest.

West Canvey Marsh is a network of wet grassland, reed beds and scrapes with approx two miles of nature trails with 3 viewing points.