Fleet Head

Landscape Feature in Essex Rochford

England

Fleet Head

Barling Marsh Much of Barling Marsh has been given over to a landfill site and the extraction of sand and gravel. Vehicles reach the site by means of a dedicated road <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/TQ9288">TQ9288</a>. Taken from the berm beside Barlinghall Creek looking west. — Barling Marsh Credit: David Kemp

Fleet Head is a prominent landscape feature located in Essex, England. It is situated near the town of Harwich, in the northeastern part of the county. This prominent headland is formed by a ridge of high ground that extends into the North Sea, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding area.

At Fleet Head, visitors can marvel at the dramatic cliffs that line the coastline, which are composed of layers of sedimentary rock, including chalk and limestone. These cliffs not only provide a picturesque backdrop but also serve as an important geological site, showcasing the region's geological history.

The area surrounding Fleet Head is rich in diverse flora and fauna, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts. The rugged landscape supports a variety of plant species, including wildflowers and grasses, which add to the beauty of the terrain. Additionally, the cliffs provide nesting sites for various sea birds, such as gulls and fulmars.

Fleet Head is also significant from a historical perspective. It is believed to have been a strategic location during Roman times, with evidence of fortifications and settlements nearby. The headland has also played a role in more recent history, serving as a lookout point during World War II due to its commanding view of the sea.

Overall, Fleet Head stands as an impressive landscape feature in Essex, offering breathtaking views, diverse wildlife, and a glimpse into the region's geological and historical past. Whether visitors are interested in nature, history, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, Fleet Head has something to offer to everyone.

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Fleet Head Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.571213/0.81399272 or Grid Reference TQ9589. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Barling Marsh

Much of Barling Marsh has been given over to a landfill site and the extraction of sand and gravel. Vehicles reach the site by means of a dedicated road TQ9288. Taken from the berm beside Barlinghall Creek looking west.

David Kemp

Essex Creeks

The land with the farm buildings (just outside the gridsquare in TQ9590) on it is Potton Island to which there is no public access. The part of the mainland across the water to the right of the island is separated from it by Potton Creek. The water on the left is known as The Violet and that on the right is Barlinghall Creek.

David Kemp

Great Potton farm buildings, Potton Island

Although Potton Island is owned by the Ministry of Defence, much of the island has been used for farming. Taken from the mainland looking north across Potton Creek.

David Kemp

Drainage channel south of Barling Ness

The curving drainage channel separates the large landfill site (left) from the sea wall and footpath. The water on the right is known as The Violet through which Barlinghall and Potton Creeks join the River Roach.

David Kemp

The Violet

The Violet is the creek through which Barlinghall Creek and Potton Creek reach the River Roach. The land beyond it is Potton Island.

David Kemp

A flock of seagulls

Gulls above the land-fill site on Barling Marsh

John Myers

Barling Marsh

The northern edge of the landfill

John Myers

Barling Ness

The Violet (to right) enters Paglesham Reach on the River Roach

John Myers

From east shore of Rushley Island across Narrow Cuts towards Havengore Island

View east across the saltgrass marshes from near the eastern sea wall of Rushley Island, overlooking the channel known as Narrow Cuts with the western side of Havengore Island in the background.

Tom Loosemore

Oxenham's (sic) Farm Sluice

This is the name given to the installation by the DoE but the farm after which it is named is referred to on OS maps and known locally as Oxenham Farm.

David Kemp

Great Wakering Sea Scouts headquarters

Situated below the sea-wall near Mill Head basin and overlooking Havengore Creek and Rushley Island.

David Kemp

Ford onto Rushley Island

Crossing Havengore Creek

John Myers

Path from Little Wakering Road to Common Road, Great Wakering

Although not on the footpath cottages and farm buildings at Little Wakering Wick can be seen ahead.

David Kemp

Farm buildings at Little Wakering Wick

The track ahead is not a public footpath, the latter having diverged just to the right of the camera.

David Kemp

Cottages at Little Wakering Wick

As seen from the footpath from Little Wakering Road to Common Road, Great Wakering. The farmhouse itself is just out of view to the right.

David Kemp

Forbidden access, Little Wakering

The track on the left is not a public right-of-way and leads to Little Wakering Wick. The authorised footpath on the right leads to Common Road, Great Wakering.

David Kemp

Common Road, Great Wakering

To the left is a track to Mill Barn Coarse Fishery and Little Wakering and to the right the entrance to Wakering Boatyard. Common Road continues ahead until it reaches a security gate beyond which public access to Potton Island is prohibited by the MoD.

David Kemp