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Colne Point

Essex  >  United Kingdom

Colne Point is a very a large coastal shingle sand bank at the mouth of the Colne Estuary. A 264 hectares Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Added* by Nick E. Warner
Most recent update 11 mars 2025
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Description

Colne Point is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and famous for breeding Dvergþerna, a very important species all over the country. Any breeding site is important and The Essex Wildlife Trust do all they can to protect this site in the Dvergþerna nesting season.

Also the marshes can be the hunting grounds for wintering raptors such as, Förufálki, Brúnheiðir, Bláheiðir, Brandugla and Smyrill, all taking advantage of the large numbers of over wintering ducks, geese and waders.

The site overlooks the mouth of the Colne Estuary and the usual shoreline species such as Brandönd, Jaðrakan, Lappajaðrakan, Stelkur, Tjaldur, Toppönd, Margæs and Rauðhöfðaönd can be seen. Also divers and grebes can be seen off shore in the winter months.

In the breeding season Dvergþerna will hopefully return to there shingle beach along side other species, Sílaþerna Sandlóa and Vatnalóa. Other breeding birds include Tjaldur and Stelkur.

Over the winter finches and other small passerines can be found in good numbers. for example Hörfinka, Sönglævirki, Lyngfinka, Snæspör and even the chance of Fjallalævirki.

This is a very important nature reserve and does have visiting restrictions , but would be well worth the time taken to arrange a visit to this very special area of the country.

Details

Access

Colne Point is in an isolated spot of Essex. From the village of St. Osyth take the Point Clear Rd in a South Westerly direction, heading towards the village of Point Clear. Now as the road bends to the West, take a small private road, Leewick Lane, which travels through a farm, (Lee Wick Farm). The lane is now called Beach Rd. Travel passed a sewage works and then finishing up at a T junction of Lee-over-Sands. Turn Right or West, here passed the row of coastal properties on your left, too a small car park of the Essex Wildlife Trust. Drive slowly and be respectful on the private road down to the Colne Point Reserve. Press P on the map for directions.

Terrain and Habitat

Sea , Beach , Mud flats

Conditions

Flat , Open landscape , High water possible , No shadow

Circular trail

No

Is a telescope useful?

Yes

Good birding season

All year round

Best time to visit

Spring migration , Autumn migration

Route

Narrow trail

Difficulty walking trail

Average walk

Accessible by

Foot

Birdwatching hide / platform

Yes

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