Bowers Marshes

Coastal Marsh, Saltings in Essex Basildon

England

Bowers Marshes

Bowers Marshes, located in Essex, England, is a stunning coastal marshland and saltings area with a rich variety of wildlife and natural features. Spread across an area of approximately 600 acres, this nature reserve is managed by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB).

The marshes are situated near the town of Basildon, adjacent to the Thames Estuary. The landscape is characterized by a mosaic of saltmarsh, mudflats, lagoons, and reed beds, making it a haven for a diverse range of plant and animal species. The area is known for its tidal creeks and channels, which are heavily influenced by the ebb and flow of the estuarine tides.

Birdwatchers flock to Bowers Marshes to catch sight of the numerous species that inhabit or migrate through the area. Over 200 bird species have been recorded here, including wading birds like avocets, redshanks, and dunlins. The marshes also provide an important breeding ground for birds such as lapwings and redshanks.

Apart from birds, the reserve supports a wide range of other wildlife. Mammals such as hares, voles, and foxes can be spotted, while the lagoons and channels are home to fish, eels, and crabs. The diverse flora includes sea lavender, glasswort, and samphire, which thrive in the saline conditions.

Bowers Marshes offers visitors several walking trails and observation points, allowing them to explore the reserve and observe its inhabitants. The RSPB organizes regular events and guided walks to educate visitors about the unique ecology and conservation efforts taking place in the area. With its beautiful scenery and abundant wildlife, Bowers Marshes is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and bird enthusiasts in Essex.

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Bowers Marshes Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.547183/0.52430576 or Grid Reference TQ7586. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Grazing, South Benfleet

JThomas

Church Road towards Bowers Hall

JThomas

Grazing near Basildon

JThomas

Siding at Pitsea Railway Station

David Robinson

Bowers Gifford, St Margaret

Dave Kelly

Pitsea Railway Station

The station at which the Tilbury Loop reconnects with the direct Fenchurch Street to Shoeburyness line. The rather angular building on the centre platforms is the old Pitsea Power Signal Box - now replaced by a modern signalling facility at Upminster from which the signalling for the entire line is carried out. In the siding on the right stands a track maintenance vehicle.

Martin Addison

Pitsea Hall Lane

Looking across the Tilbury Loop level crossing towards the Watt Tyler centre and South Essex Marshes Nature Reserve. Pitsea Station car park is on the left.

Martin Addison

Stables and Powerlines

A stable block of the Essex Horse and Pony Protection Society nestling between two low voltage electricity supply lines. The society provides a rescue service for animals suffering cruelty or abuse 365 days of the year. Details of their work can be found at Link

Martin Addison

Beside Pitsea Hall Lane

A view of the footpath that leads from the Wat Tyler Country Park towards the station and the town of Pitsea. out of sight behind the trees on the left is a sewage works. Pitsea Hall Lane is on the right.

Martin Addison

Progression

A sculpture by Michael Condron. It was commissioned by Basildon District Council for the town square. Dating to 2001, it was relocated to the Wat Tyler Country Park in 2005 where it stands beside Pitsea Hall Lane outside the building gthat housed the Motorboat Museum (closed in 2009). It is constructed of electropolished stainless steel. Unfortunately the railings distract from its appearance.

Martin Addison

Level Crossing, Wat Tyler Country Park

A 10¼ inch gauge railway operates in the park on weekends and school holidays - although it wasn't operating on this summer half-term. The road sign on the left warns motorists of an ungated level crossing.

Martin Addison

Closed Off Track

This track used to connect Pitsea Wharf with other wharves , crossing between Vange Creek and Pitseahall Fleet on a dyke. In this view, Vange creek is hidden on the right and Pitseahall Fleet on the left. It is now fenced off to prevent access to Veolia's landfill site - some activity on which appears to have spooked the Rooks in the trees in the distance. Veolia have set up a Pitsea Marshes Trust and have recently agreed a lease of Bowers Marsh to the RSPB as a nature reserve for 150 years at a peppercorn rent.

Martin Addison

A Sad End

Resting and rotting in Vange Creek and gradually becoming more like a mudbank than a vessel. This is Trinity House Light Vessel LV 44, Newarp. She was built in 1869 by C. Hill and Sons of Bristol. Initially stationed outside Caernarvon Bay, she spent the majority of her service life at Newarp Station in the North Sea. Decommissioned in 1945, she was sold to Erith Yacht Club where she served as a clubhouse. She was subsequently bought by Pitsea Yacht Club. She was grounded here on an exceptional high tide circa 1990. Apologies for the rain-spots on the lens... it was tipping down by this stage of our stroll round the marshes.

Martin Addison

Vange Creek

Looking across mudflats close to Pitsea Wharf. The main creek is in the middle distance and beyond are the flarestacks and chimneys of Coryton Oil Refinery.

Martin Addison

Vange Creek

Looking upstream past the Port of London Authority sign. The tide is out and the creek is mainly mudflats with the occasional gull and Oystercatcher braving the heavy rain to feed (notice the spots on the lens). The map on the sign could be misleading to the casual visitor as it gives the impression that the land across the creek is Canvey Island. In fact this is taken from Pitsea Wharf and we're looking towards Vange and Fobbing Marshes.

Martin Addison

Pitsea Station

A Fenchurch Street bound C2C service, formed of a single 4 car class 357 electric multiple unit, arrives from Shoeburyness in heavy rain. On a dull day that corporate pink on the station furniture really stands out!

Martin Addison

Sea wall footpath by East Haven Creek

The A130 can be seen ahead. To the right is the boundary of the new RSPB reserve of West Canvey Marsh.

Trevor Harris

Visitor Centre

The Wat Tyler Centre opened in Wat Tyler Country Park, Pitsea in July 2009. The modern, visitor centre includes a café and facilities for business and private event hire.

terry joyce

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Bowers Marshes is located at Grid Ref: TQ7586 (Lat: 51.547183, Lng: 0.52430576)

Administrative County: Essex

District: Basildon

Police Authority: Essex