Devil's Reach

Sea, Estuary, Creek in Essex Rochford

England

Devil's Reach

Land drain heading due south One of the former land drains from the time when this was all sterile arable - now Wallasea RSPB Reserve, seen from the seasonally opened Pools Path. — Land drain heading due south Credit: Trevor Harris

Devil's Reach is a prominent geographical feature located in Essex, England. It is an estuary that extends from the North Sea, forming a creek that runs inland towards the town of Southminster. This natural formation has gained notoriety due to its treacherous waters and challenging navigation conditions.

The Sea End of Devil's Reach is where the estuary meets the North Sea. The strong tides and often turbulent waters make this area hazardous for seafarers, earning it the reputation of being a formidable passage to navigate. The constant interaction between the estuary and the sea creates a dynamic environment, with changing water levels and shifting sandbanks.

As the estuary moves inland, it gradually transforms into a winding creek. The Creek End of Devil's Reach is characterized by its narrow channels and marshy banks. These marshes serve as important habitats for a variety of bird species, including wading birds and waterfowl. The surrounding area also features rich salt marshes, which support a diverse ecosystem of plants and animals.

Historically, Devil's Reach played a crucial role in the maritime trade of the region. The estuary provided a natural harbor for ships, allowing them to transport goods to and from local towns. However, the challenging conditions of Devil's Reach required skilled pilots to navigate the waters safely.

Today, Devil's Reach remains a significant landmark in Essex, attracting visitors who are drawn to its natural beauty and historical significance. It is a place where the forces of nature are evident, showcasing the delicate balance between the sea, estuary, and creek.

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Devil's Reach Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.59565/0.84231943 or Grid Reference TQ9692. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Land drain heading due south

One of the former land drains from the time when this was all sterile arable - now Wallasea RSPB Reserve, seen from the seasonally opened Pools Path.

Trevor Harris

Pool, RSPB Wallasea Island Reserve

The line of the former land drain can be seen. The RSPB is transforming Wallasea from an area of sterile arable to an invaluable diverse mixed wetland. Taken from the relatively new and seasonally open Pool Path.

Trevor Harris

Pool with small islands - RSPB Wallasea Island

The following adapted from the RSPB website Link

"The reserve covers more than 740ha, with all of the arable farmland now transformed to saltmarsh, mudflats, lagoons and grazing marsh. There are six walking trails – Jubilee Marsh, Allfleets Marsh, Marsh Flats, South Trail, New Pool Trail and Beagle Trail, making over 15km of trail on the reserve. At the ends of Allfleets Marsh trail and Jubilee Marsh trail are two shelters providing a comfortable place to sit overlooking the river. To create this magical landscape of marshland, lagoons, ditches and sea, more than three million tonnes of earth was brought by boat from the tunnels and shafts created by the Crossrail scheme in London. This allowed us to raise the land above sea level and place the soil in a way that created a new 115-hectare intertidal area of saltmarsh, islands and mudflats (known as Jubilee Marsh). In addition, Crossrail helped us create saline lagoons, a creek network and grazing marsh. All of which means Wallasea Island is now a wildlife-rich habitat and a great place to visit. Wallasea Island sits within a Special Protection Area which covers the Crouch and Roach estuaries, and which is special for overwintering waders and wildfowl including Brent Geese. Our work here increases the habitat for these birds both whilst roosting and feeding, as well as creating new grassland areas (wet and dry). The intertidal areas have been designed with climate change in mind, with long shallow slopes from the new seawall providing space for the saltmarsh to creep up as sea levels rise."

Roger Jones

Jubilee Marsh Trail - RSPB Wallasea Island

Looking south, see also: TQ9693 : Jubilee Marsh Trail - RSPB Wallasea Island

Roger Jones

Jubilee Marsh Trail - RSPB Wallasea Island

Looking north, see also: TQ9793 : Jubilee Marsh Trail - RSPB Wallasea Island

Roger Jones

Land drain on Tillets Marsh

A section of one of the dead-straight, north-south land drains which divided up the island prior to the RSPB's "Wild Coast Project. This is one of only a few remaining and the most easterly. Assorted ducks and geese are taking advantage of this less visited part of the island

John Myers

Confluence of River Roach & Paglesham Pool (1)

Paglesham Pool is the creek that can be seen top left. Taken from the mainland with Wallasea Island (left) and Potton Island (right).

David Kemp

Confluence of River Roach & Paglesham Pool (2)

Paglesham Pool is the creek nearest the camera while the Roach follows the horizon. Taken from the mainland with Wallsea Island (left) and Potton Island on the right of the horizon.

David Kemp

Paglesham Pool

Taken looking upstream from near Paglesham Point which is where Paglesham Pool joins Paglesham Reach of the River Roach. The land opposite is Wallasea Island.

David Kemp

Borrowdyke at Paglesham Point

David Kemp

A view of River Roach; from top of pillbox

Mr James D

Paglesham Creek; looking north from the pillbox

Mr James D

Gates at end of new sea wall

A new sea wall running roughly straight between this point and Grasslands Point is under construction and the area south of the old sea wall is being dug out to provide new salt marsh.

John Myers

Saltings

Saltings - east bank of Paglesham Creek

John Myers

Farm track from seawall

The crop in the field to the north is peas - lots of peas.

John Myers

Boat on saltings

River Roach just east of the head of Paglesham Creek.

John Myers

Land drain

The land drains on Wallasea are cut arrow straight at regular intervals and run north/south with almost military precision. Consequently pretty much the only map features on Wallasea are thin blue lines. Identifying the grid lines takes a little more care here.

John Myers