Bramble Creek

Sea, Estuary, Creek in Essex Tendring

England

Bramble Creek

Hamford Water; near Skippers Island Credit: Mr James D

Bramble Creek is a picturesque waterway located in the county of Essex, England. Nestled between the sea and an estuary, it is a charming creek that offers a tranquil escape for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Spanning approximately 3 miles, Bramble Creek meanders through lush marshlands and verdant coastal vegetation, creating a diverse and thriving ecosystem.

The creek is influenced by the tides of the North Sea, which contribute to the constant ebb and flow of its waters. During high tide, the creek is filled with crystal-clear seawater, which sparkles under the sun's rays. At low tide, the creek reveals a sandy shoreline dotted with small rock formations and vibrant marine life, making it a popular spot for beachcombing and exploring.

Bramble Creek is a haven for a wide range of bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. From majestic herons and elegant egrets to colorful kingfishers and elusive avocets, the creek attracts a rich diversity of feathered inhabitants. Additionally, the surrounding marshes and reed beds provide a sanctuary for various mammals, such as otters and seals, adding to the area's natural allure.

The creek is also known for its accessibility to water sports enthusiasts. Kayakers and paddleboarders can navigate the calm waters, taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding coastal landscapes. Fishing is also a popular activity in Bramble Creek, with anglers casting their lines in search of sea bass, flounder, and other local fish species.

Overall, Bramble Creek is a hidden gem in Essex, offering a serene and idyllic setting for nature lovers, birdwatchers, and those seeking a peaceful retreat by the sea.

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Bramble Creek Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.889002/1.2271565 or Grid Reference TM2226. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Hamford Water; near Skippers Island

Mr James D

Group of trees near bridleway, Little Oakley

Roger Jones

Private walkway, Hamford Water National Nature Reserve

This walkway on Hamford Water National Nature Reserve Link

is marked 'private' for the use of Little Oakley and District Wildfowlers’ Association. Hamford Water is also a SSSI.

Roger Jones

Island Point North Cardinal Buoy

Helping to keep vessels from running aground on Mussel Scarfe, this buoy directs traffic to pass it to the north as it exits Walton Channel and joins the Hamford Water. At night a quick white flashing light is emitted.

Ian Paterson

Up Kirby Creek

Dinghies sailing out of Kirby Creek from the direction of Honey Island.

Ian Paterson

Walton on the Naze from the air

Looking over Skipper's Island towards the town and the pier. Viewed from a Prague bound flight from Heathrow.

Thomas Nugent

Skipper's Island, in Hamford Water National Nature Reserve

Some buildings on the island are visible in the middle of the photo, in the middle distance. The tide is ebbing, a little below halfway to low tide. The area of Hamford Water was fictionalised in Arthur Ransome's "Secret Water" Link

. In the book, Skipper's Island is called "Mastodon Island".

Zorba the Geek

Approaching the sea wall from Little Oakley

The sea wall, seen here along the skyline, separates low land on this side from the sea and salt marshes at a higher level beyond. The muddy marshes beyond the wall at this point have the graphic name of "Bull's Ooze".

Zorba the Geek

Looking west towards Great Oakley Dock

This view, shortly after high tide, shows graphically the contrast of levels on the sea and land sides of the sea wall. Detail of the warning signs appear in another image TM2127 : You have been warned!.

Zorba the Geek

You have been warned!

Beyond this point is an explosives factory, Great Oakley Works, operated by "exchem" and situated on an isolated promontory projecting into the salt marshes, quite effectively isolated, in fact.

Zorba the Geek

Wildfowlers' walkway on an ebbing tide

An hour before, all but the approach road was submerged. A passing member of the LODWA explained that his association had bought the marshes hereabouts and operated under the supervision of English Nature. The walkway is protected by a private sign; along its length a number of small boats are tied up. See TM2227 : Wildfowler's walkway leading to Bull's Ooze for one of several alternative views by Portsbob.

Zorba the Geek

Wildfowlers' jetty shortly after high tide

Compare TM2227 : Wildfowlers' walkway on an ebbing tide. This image represents the situation some 90 to 120 minutes after high tide, with the jetty still inaccessible except in waders.

Zorba the Geek

Looking south across Bull's Ooze

The LODWA warns you off this low jetty, which leads to a number of wildfowlers' boats out in this muddy saltmarsh north of Hamford Water. The whole area here was fictionalised in Arthur Ransome's "Secret Water" Link

and this part was called "Northern Sea".

Zorba the Geek

Bend in the sea wall near wildfowlers' jetty

Water levels are still high up to 2 hours after high tide, still covering the mud and salt marshes.

Zorba the Geek

Track towards the marshes

Just down the road passing Little Oakley Sewage Works, this side track branches off towards the sea while the main track to the right leads to an informal car park for wildfowlers. This is private land.

Zorba the Geek

The sweep of the sea wall

The sea wall sweeps round to the north at it approaches the actual shore at Irlam's Beach. Off to the extreme left are the cranes of Felixstowe docks and the white dot in the field was a swan grazing on the new shoots of an autumn-sown grain crop.

Zorba the Geek

Distant view of explosives factory

Great Oakley Works on Bramble Island (more a promontory than an island) is remote and hard to reach, protected on three sides by mud flats and salt marshes. A geograph is perhaps only possible from a small boat. More info from Wikipedia: Link

plus this: Link

Zorba the Geek

Bramble Island and Oakley Creek

On the edge of Great Oakley works, we can see the silhouette of a water tower, perhaps, and a military-looking vessel in Oakley Creek heading away from the factory towards Harwich or Felixstowe.

Zorba the Geek

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Bramble Creek is located at Grid Ref: TM2226 (Lat: 51.889002, Lng: 1.2271565)

Administrative County: Essex

District: Tendring

Police Authority: Essex