James Armstrong
Thursday 11th September 2003, 13:22
125ac/50ha OS Ex184/a168 GR 041 195
Essex Wildlife Trust's flagship reserve on the west shore of the Colne Estuary, created out of disused gravel workings. Bare gravel, clay, mud and sediments are inviting seedbeds for wild plants, and the disturbed, undulating terrain is largely buried in woodland, thickets and dense scrub. The reserve has an immense range of habitats, including patches of grassland, gorse heathland, reedbeds and ponds and a large lake. There is a mixed plantation of trees including conifers. The river frontage provides additional habitats such as saltmarsh, foreshore and inter-tidal mudflats.
Strategically placed on sloping ground overlooking the wild expanses of the Colne Estuary, The Wick offers one of the finest salt marsh panoramas in Eastern England.
Over 200 species of birds have been recorded, of which 50 species nest each year. In spring there is a massed nightingale chorus. Kingfishers, kestrels and tawny owls nest as well as little grebes, and sparrow hawks. Between June and September migrant waders find the scrape attractive. In winter thousands of wintering waders and wildfowl rely on the expanses of mud and saltmarsh in the estuary for food or for roosting. This includes up to 700 avocets viewable from the shore hides. Sea duck can be seen in mid-river. There are also common seals in the estuary.
At least 350 species of flowering plants have been recorded, including common spotted orchids and bee orchids.
Directions:-
Three miles south-east of Colchester, signposted from there with brown Nature Reserve signs. Take the B1025 from Colchester towards Mersea for three miles. After crossing the Roman River, turn first left and follow the signs to the reserve.
Visitor Centre:-
Open daily except Mondays 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. N.B. like most EWT reserves they close the gates at 5 p.m. so you have to get your car out by then which is a pain. Free permit needed (donations from non-members of a £ or more invited)
Worth visiting at any time of year. Flocks of Brent Geese in winter. Nightingale chorus in May.
Wheelchair access for short nature trail and two hides overlooking lake. Wheelchair available in the centre on request.
Signposted dog route. (Only on a lead - not permitted in Centre or hides.)
Address:-
Fingringhoe Wick Nature Reserve
South Green Road
Fingringhoe
Colchester
Essex
CO5 7DN
Tel: 01206 729678
E-mail: Fingringhoe@essexwt.org.uk
Website: www.essexwt.org.uk
james
Essex Wildlife Trust's flagship reserve on the west shore of the Colne Estuary, created out of disused gravel workings. Bare gravel, clay, mud and sediments are inviting seedbeds for wild plants, and the disturbed, undulating terrain is largely buried in woodland, thickets and dense scrub. The reserve has an immense range of habitats, including patches of grassland, gorse heathland, reedbeds and ponds and a large lake. There is a mixed plantation of trees including conifers. The river frontage provides additional habitats such as saltmarsh, foreshore and inter-tidal mudflats.
Strategically placed on sloping ground overlooking the wild expanses of the Colne Estuary, The Wick offers one of the finest salt marsh panoramas in Eastern England.
Over 200 species of birds have been recorded, of which 50 species nest each year. In spring there is a massed nightingale chorus. Kingfishers, kestrels and tawny owls nest as well as little grebes, and sparrow hawks. Between June and September migrant waders find the scrape attractive. In winter thousands of wintering waders and wildfowl rely on the expanses of mud and saltmarsh in the estuary for food or for roosting. This includes up to 700 avocets viewable from the shore hides. Sea duck can be seen in mid-river. There are also common seals in the estuary.
At least 350 species of flowering plants have been recorded, including common spotted orchids and bee orchids.
Directions:-
Three miles south-east of Colchester, signposted from there with brown Nature Reserve signs. Take the B1025 from Colchester towards Mersea for three miles. After crossing the Roman River, turn first left and follow the signs to the reserve.
Visitor Centre:-
Open daily except Mondays 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. N.B. like most EWT reserves they close the gates at 5 p.m. so you have to get your car out by then which is a pain. Free permit needed (donations from non-members of a £ or more invited)
Worth visiting at any time of year. Flocks of Brent Geese in winter. Nightingale chorus in May.
Wheelchair access for short nature trail and two hides overlooking lake. Wheelchair available in the centre on request.
Signposted dog route. (Only on a lead - not permitted in Centre or hides.)
Address:-
Fingringhoe Wick Nature Reserve
South Green Road
Fingringhoe
Colchester
Essex
CO5 7DN
Tel: 01206 729678
E-mail: Fingringhoe@essexwt.org.uk
Website: www.essexwt.org.uk
james