Gardenness Point
Coastal Marsh, Saltings in Essex Rochford
England
Gardenness Point
Gardenness Point is a coastal marsh and saltings located in Essex, England. Situated on the east coast of the county, it is a significant natural landmark known for its diverse ecosystem and breathtaking scenery.
Covering an area of approximately 150 hectares, Gardenness Point is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. The marshland is rich in biodiversity, providing a home to a wide range of plant and animal species. The area is characterized by its distinct saltmarsh vegetation, which thrives in the brackish water that floods the marsh with each high tide. This unique habitat supports a variety of salt-tolerant plants, including samphire, sea lavender, and sea purslane.
The marshland at Gardenness Point also attracts numerous bird species, making it a popular spot for birdwatching. Visitors can observe wading birds such as curlews, redshanks, and oystercatchers, as well as migratory birds during the winter months. Additionally, the area serves as an important breeding ground for species like avocets and little terns.
The landscape itself is characterized by vast stretches of tidal mudflats and saltmarshes, which are exposed during low tide and provide a habitat for various invertebrates and shellfish. The constantly changing intertidal zone creates a dynamic environment that is constantly evolving with the ebb and flow of the tides.
Gardenness Point is not only a site of ecological importance but also a place of great natural beauty. The marshland offers stunning panoramic views of the coastline, with the distant horizon stretching out to the North Sea. Its tranquil atmosphere and unspoiled surroundings make it a perfect destination for those seeking a peaceful and immersive experience in nature.
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Gardenness Point Images
Images are sourced within 2km of 51.622401/0.80518193 or Grid Reference TQ9495. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.
"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."
Gardenness Point is located at Grid Ref: TQ9495 (Lat: 51.622401, Lng: 0.80518193)
Administrative County: Essex
District: Rochford
Police Authority: Essex
What 3 Words
///rollers.registers.amending. Near Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex
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