Nature and Wildlife

Venture out along the Essex Coast and estuaries and you’ll encounter plenty of diverse natural environments and wildlife along the way.  Did you know you can see seals just off the Essex Coast…?  Seal watching trips run from Easter through until the Autumn from both Harwich Harbour and Burnham-on-Crouch.  

Explore the Essex Wildlife Trust  reserves at Fingringhoe Wick, Abberton Reservoir or Blue House Farm and visit the RSPB at Rainham Marshes and Wallasea Island.  The southern shores of the Stour Estuary, stretching from Manningtree to Harwich, and a tributary of the estuary called the Samford Valley have recently been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).  Explore Essex country parks such as Cudmore Grove and Marsh Farm are filled with opportunities to get back to nature with the family.  

The Countryside Code

There are many beautiful places and stories to discover along The Essex Coast, not only at the beaches but also on the banks of our tidal rivers and estuaries.  It's important to follow the Countryside Code when visiting these rural areas to ensure we protect the habitat and wildlife. 

For more information on an initiative to raise awareness on the birds visiting and breeding on our coast please visit  Bird Aware Essex Coast where there is plenty of guidance on how to respect the birds, their breeding areas and the countryside. 
We kindly ask that you follow the signs to keep noise levels low and dogs on leads when walking in areas where birds are nesting.