Colne Estuary NNR
Although most NNRs are managed by Natural England, 88 are wholly or partly managed by other bodies approved by Council, under Section 35 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
County: Essex
Main habitats: Coastal
Area: 576 Ha
Site map: Nature on the Map
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Colne Estuary NNR is managed by Natural England and the Essex Wildlife Trust.
Colne Estuary NNR comprises three areas: Brightlingsea Marsh, Colne Point and East Mersea.
To view maps of these areas, click here: Brightlingsea Marsh: (213kb)
, East Mersea: (133kb),Colne Point: (146kb)
Brightlingsea Marsh is an area of low-lying grazing marsh. The largest part of the site comprises unimproved grassland which is interspersed with a series of fleets (shallow creeks) and dykes.
East Mersea is part of Mersea Island (separated from Brightlingsea by the Colne River estuary). The NNR area is a strip of coastal land that has been shaped by erosion and deposition. Cliff erosion has exposed important fossil remains and the site (which includes areas of saltmarsh) supports a number of rare plant species and large numbers of wintering wildfowl and waders.
Colne Point comprises an extensive shingle spit system, a saltmarsh that has formed in the lee of the spit, and large areas of shell beds and shingle banks that are only exposed at low tide. The Point is important as a geomorphological feature and for the diverse plant and animal populations it supports.
Location and access
The reserve is 10 to 15 km south east of Colchester.
The nearest railway station is in Wivenhoe, six km 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. There is no direct access to the site but the area can be viewed from the sea wall.
Colne Point is five km 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 five km to the east of West Mersea town (on the B1025). There are First Essex bus services to the town from Colchester. There is no direct access to the site but parts of the area can be viewed from coastal paths and the sea wall.
Facilities
Car parking, toilet and refreshment facilities can be found in local towns and villages. There is also a visitor's car park at Colne Point.
