Description

We’re delighted to offer an exclusive two-day exploration of the wildlife of North Essex, with particular emphasis on the heathlands and coasts.

A two-day exploration of the wildlife of north-east Essex, with particular emphasis on the coastal mudflats, marshes and scrublands, plus restored gravel pits and fossil-rich cliffs. Be prepared to cut through the unflattering reputation of a much-maligned county!

Join us for 1 or 2 days to explore this wonderful area. Why not stay one or two night and make a weekend of it? Read on to find out the plans and details for each day…

DAY 1 – COLNE ESTUARY & THE ESSEX ALPS AT COCKAYNES RESERVE

Join all-round naturalist Chris Gibson for an exploration of the Colne Estuary downstream of Wivenhoe and the adjacent hinterland, including restored gravel pits at the peak of the Essex Alps… (and learn why they have that name!)

We start by walking down the Colne Estuary as the tide rises. The historic Wivenhoe waterfront has a number of rare plants, as indeed do the sea walls, grazing marshes and saltmarshes, with Sea Aster at its best at this time of year. The first returning autumn waterbirds are likely to be on the estuary, along with breeding Common Terns and Oystercatchers.

After a picnic lunch, we turn inland and ascend the Essex Alps, its sandy grassland characteristically dominated by Lesser Calamint. And then it is into Cockaynes Reserve, a 1980s gravel pit that was restored for nature and is now managed especially with insects in mind. Expect woodland butterflies; bees and beetles of grass heath; scrub and reedbed warblers and much else.

DAY 1 – IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Meet 09.30, ends approx 17.00

Meeting place: Wivenhoe Railway Station car park (postcode CO7 9DJ)

Public transport: this day is very suitable for those choosing public transport. Wivenhoe rail station is served by hourly trains direct from London Liverpool Street.

Car Parking: In the station car park, pay by phone, or by card at the ticket machine on Platform 1, £7.30; note however parking bays in the adjacent streets (Station Road, West Street, Old Ferry Road) are restricted only up to 08.45

Grade: up to 12km walking during the day, mostly easy going although can be muddy in stretches after rain…but this is one of the driest parts of the country! Some gradual inclines

Toilet facilities: NONE other than the ‘natural option’ after leaving the meeting spot

Requirements: packed lunch; stout footwear and protective clothing against rain/sun (as appropriate)

DAY 2 – THE NAZE & THE WALTON BACKWATERS

Join all-round naturalist Chris Gibson for an exploration of the north-eastern Essex coastal extremity, looking at the plants, birds and insects of coastal scrub, saltmarshes and sand formations, and the fascinating geology in the scenic eroding cliffs.

We will start atop the tallest cliffs in Essex with a scoot around the clifftop scrub, looking for Whitethroats, Cetti’s Warblers and other scrubland birds before it gets too busy, and plants such as Sea Hog’s-fennel. Then down onto the beach to examine the rich geology from the beach, including a search for Eocene and Ice-age fossils, and hopefully breeding Sand Martins. As we round the corner into the Walton Backwaters towards high tide, we may see the first few returning waders, which if present are likely to be in their smart, unfamiliar breeding plumages, breeding terns and Ringed Plovers, and possibly Harbour and Grey Seals.

Lunch in the John Weston nature reserve will lead on to an exploration of the sea-wall and grazing marsh grassland, rich in insects and flowers, and a return wander through the gorse heath, always good for birds such as Linnets and insects like the Gorse Shield-bug.

DAY 2 – IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Meet 09.00, ends approx. 16.00.

Meeting place: The Naze car park (postcode CO14 8LJ), at picnic tables between the car park and the cliff edge

Public transport: this day is suitable for those choosing public transport. Walton-on-the-Naze is served by hourly trains direct from Colchester; the meeting point is 2.5km/35 minutes’ walk north along the promenade.

Car Parking: The Naze car park, Walton-on-the-Naze, pay by phone or card, cost £7 all day

Grade: Up to 8km walking during the day, mostly easy going although can be muddy in stretches after rain (…but this is one of the driest parts of the country!); the beach walk is partly on London Clay and so may be slippery. Bring a stick if uncertain.

Toilet facilities: At the EWT Visitor Centre in the car park, open even when the centre is closed. The Visitor Centre is open until 16.30 during the summer.

Requirements: packed lunch; stout footwear and protective clothing against rain/sun (as appropriate); walking pole/stick if necessary (see above)