Alresford

Civil Parish in Essex Tendring

England

Alresford

River Colne at Fingringhoe Wick Nature Reserve &#039;Fingringhoe Wick is one of the finest nature reserves in the county. In the reserve you will find nature trails, bird hides and view points with stunning estuary views.

There were 40 years of gravel extraction on the nature reserve before Essex Wildlife Trust bought it. It offers a wide range of habitats including areas of grassland, gorse heathland, reedbeds, ponds and the estuary itself.

Fingringhoe Wick is famous for its Nightingales each spring. The songsters ring out over the reserve and there are usually about 25 males to be heard. Thousands of waders and wildfowl use the estuary in the winter and as many as 700 Avocets can be seen.&#039;

See
<span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.essexwt.org.uk/visitor_centres__nature_reserves/fingringhoe_wick/" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.essexwt.org.uk/visitor_centres__nature_reserves/fingringhoe_wick/">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> — River Colne at Fingringhoe Wick Nature Reserve Credit: PAUL FARMER

Alresford is a civil parish located in the county of Essex in England. Situated approximately 11 miles northeast of the city of Chelmsford, it is a small village with a population of around 1,200 residents. Alresford is set in a picturesque rural area, surrounded by beautiful countryside and farmland.

The village is known for its rich history, dating back to the Roman times. It is believed that Alresford was once an important settlement during the Roman occupation, as evidenced by the discovery of various artifacts and remains in the area. Today, the village still retains some of its historic charm, with several old buildings and structures that showcase its past.

Alresford offers a peaceful and tranquil environment for its residents, away from the hustle and bustle of city life. The village is well-connected to nearby towns and cities, with good transportation links and easy access to major roads.

Although small, Alresford has a strong sense of community. The village has a local church, a primary school, and a village hall that serves as a hub for various community activities and events. There are also a few small businesses and shops in the village, providing essential services and amenities to the residents.

Alresford is surrounded by natural beauty, with ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, cycling, and fishing. The village is also located near the River Blackwater, offering scenic views and recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike.

In conclusion, Alresford is a peaceful and charming village in Essex, known for its rich history and scenic surroundings. With a close-knit community and a range of amenities, it provides a pleasant and idyllic place to live.

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Alresford Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.847878/0.998209 or Grid Reference TM0620. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

River Colne at Fingringhoe Wick Nature Reserve

'Fingringhoe Wick is one of the finest nature reserves in the county. In the reserve you will find nature trails, bird hides and view points with stunning estuary views. There were 40 years of gravel extraction on the nature reserve before Essex Wildlife Trust bought it. It offers a wide range of habitats including areas of grassland, gorse heathland, reedbeds, ponds and the estuary itself. Fingringhoe Wick is famous for its Nightingales each spring. The songsters ring out over the reserve and there are usually about 25 males to be heard. Thousands of waders and wildfowl use the estuary in the winter and as many as 700 Avocets can be seen.' See Link

PAUL FARMER

Across Alresford Creek

I wouldn't fancy fording here!!

Glyn Baker

Alresford Tidal Crossing

This tidal ford is approached from the aptly named Ford Lane. Seen here at low-tide. A video showing that it is possible cross the ford with the right equipment can be seen at: Link

John Walton

New Reserve Fingringhoe Wick

This is a view of Essex wildlife Trust’s Link

newest acquisition to add to its oldest reserve Fingringhoe Wick Link

. The plot runs from the trees on the left as far as the sea wall and to the ridge in the distance. Contracts have now been exchanged on this piece of “reclaimed farmland” and in due course the sea wall will be breached as part of a managed retreat in order to create TL9613 : New Saltmarsh as has been successfully achieved at their TL9614 : Abbots Hall Farm HQ

Glyn Baker

View From "Robbies" Hide

This is the view across the River Colne from one of the bird hides on Fingringhoe Wick nature reserve. The reserve is in a worked-out gravel quarry. It is run by Essex Wild Life Trust. The reserve was for many years their headquarters. However, this has moved to TL9614 : Abbots Hall Farm HQ, Great Wigborough on the Blackwater. The view clearly shows the sandy beach, mudflats and an operational gravel pit in Alresford on the other bank. The wreck is that of the barge "Fly" the only one of three sister sips to survive their maiden voyage from a shipyard in Appledore (Devon), Bee and Ant sank in a great storm off Dover in 1899. For more info on the reserve see Link

Glyn Baker

The Ford

To judge by the map, this typical Essex weatherboarded house is called "The Ford". (Note the roof line!) It stands beside an ancient ford across Alresford Creek, a branch of the River Colne estuary. In the distance is TM0718 : All Saints Church, Brightlingsea which stands in TM0718 beside Brightlingsea Hall but 2 km from Brightlingsea town centre.

Roger W Haworth

Ruins of St Peter's Church

Many Essex churches are remote from the villages they serve but stand near the house of the lord of the manor who paid for building the church. Perhaps in this case the original manor house has disappeared because this church stands about a kilometre away from Alresford village and from Alresford Hall. The church, built circa 1320 was a remodelling of a 10/11th century church which in turn incorporated tiles from the remains of a Roman villa nearby. It was destroyed by fire in 1971.

Roger W Haworth

The Pointer

Public house in Wivenhoe Road, Alresford

Roger W Haworth

Radio mast and pylon

In Cockaynes Lane, Alresford. The mast is mainly for data communication for a nearby electricity substation.

Roger W Haworth

Sewage works

Beside the Tenpenny Brook, just south of St Osyth Road, Alresford

Roger W Haworth

Plumptons Track

This is the track to Plumptons Farm near Alresford. It is part of a footpath that runs from Ford Lane to Thorrington Mill. TM0718 : All Saints Church, Brightlingsea tower can be seen above the trees to the right.

Glyn Baker

Marsh Farm Paddock

This is a view across a paddock towards Marsh Farm near Alresford and the River Colne beyond.

Glyn Baker

Alresford Grange

This is Alresford Grange taken from the bridle path from Wivenhoe Road to Ford Lane.

Glyn Baker

Towards the Seaside

This is the Railway line from Colchester to Clacton at Alresford looking towards Clacton

Glyn Baker

Hyacinthoides non-scripta

You can tell these are Native Bluebells (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) because they are low to the ground a deep blue to violet in colour, the vividness of which is almost impossible to capture in a photo. They have a heady scent distinctly absent in their Spanish cousins TM2420 : Spanish Bluebells. Hybrid Bells TQ5880 : Hyacinthoides x massartiana are sometimes difficult to tell from natives. For more info see Link

Glyn Baker