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Description
After you have walked from the car park and over the Lock Gates, you are now overlooking the estuary. It's always a good idea to time your arrival as the raised tide is on its way out (see a link to the tide table below. Scanning the water for Red-breasted Merganser, Brent Goose, Eurasian Wigeon and gull species.
Even at high tide you will see waders moving up and down the estuary such as Eurasian Oystercatcher, Common Redshank, Eurasian Curlew, Northern Lapwing, Dunlin, European Golden Plover and Black-tailed Godwit.
While watching the estuary, the other side of the sea wall offers a fresh water lake plus all the species that may be seen in that habitat. It is a large shallow expense, with the banks lined with reeds. Birds here can include, Mallard, Common Teal, Gadwall and Northern Shoveler. The reed beds around the fresh water lake are good places to see Reed Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Bearded Tit, Cetti's Warbler and Reed Bunting. Regular sightings of Great Egret, Grey Heron and the odd Great Bittern can over winter.
You can follow the raised walkway around the lake while still being able to view the estuary. Once the tide goes out, good numbers of waders can be seen all over the mudflats. Common Shelduck, Grey Plover, Avocet, Little Egret and Ruddy Turnstone. During spring migration waders such as Whimbrel and Spotted Redshank can be observed.
Details
Access
The main town in the area is Maldon, Essex, accessed from the A12. Head through Heybridge, then onto the village of Heybridge Basin on the B1026 Goldhanger Rd, now turn right, this is signposted. Follow the road until you see signs for the only car park , The Daisy Meadow car park. Press P on the map for directions. At the bottom of the car park a small set of steps leads up to the tow path of a canal. Turn left follow it to the Lock Gates, cross the Lock Gates on to the sea wall footpath. The circular walk indicated on the map is about 4 km.
Terrain and Habitat
Wetland , Pond , River , Sea , Lake , Mud flats , ReedbedsConditions
Flat , Slippery , Open landscapeCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
Can be usefulGood birding season
Spring , AutumnBest time to visit
Spring migration , Autumn migrationRoute
Wide path , Unpaved roadDifficulty walking trail
Average walkAccessible by
Foot , BicycleBirdwatching hide / platform
NoExtra info
There are two Pubs and a really nice Tea Room, Plus a little Coffee Kiosk on the Tow Path by the Car Park.