Cudmore Grove Country Park

Description

Cudmore Grove offers visitors a trip to the seaside with a difference. Located at the eastern end of Mersea Island, the park includes a sandy beach backed by a large expanse of open grassland, perfect for summer games, picnics and taking in the views.

Spring and autumn see a variety of visitors from all over the world. Migrating birds often stop here as they arrive on the east coast. Some stay for the summer, others are just passing through, and occasionally rare and unexpected birds arrive, blown off course by offshore winds. The winter too brings with it a variety of wading birds and wildfowl, including large flocks of brent geese which come to feed on the grazing marshes. The grassland is also rich in animal life and a haven for butterflies and more wildlife can be spotted from the hide overlooking the pond.

Hot summer days are always busy at Cudmore, attracting those looking for a cooling sea breeze; an added attraction in the summer is the passenger ferry to and from Brightlingsea. Visitors can also walk along the sea wall or explore the remains of the Tudor fort and World War II defences and the rangers run events throughout the year, from adder watching to children's summer seaside activity days.