Wallasea Island Wild Coast Project

Description

Wallasea Island Wild Coast project is a landmark conservation and engineering scheme for the 21st century, on a scale never before attempted in the UK and the largest of its type in Europe.

The aim of this project is to combat the threats from climate change and coastal flooding by recreating the ancient wetland landscape of mudflats and saltmarsh, lagoons and pasture. It will also help to compensate for the loss of such tidal habitats elsewhere in England.

Once completed, this will provide a haven for a wonderful array of nationally and internationally important wildlife and an amazing place for the local community, and those from further afield, to come and enjoy.

Although the reserve is planned to be in development until around 2019, you're welcome to come along and view the progress as each phase comes to life and the marshland naturally regenerates. The current sea wall access along the North (Defra) sea wall is a wonderful place to come to relax and enjoy, whether for walking, cycling, birdwatching, painting, photography or simply taking in the sea air.

Over the coming years, the scheme will create a varied wetland landscape with more than nine miles (15 km) of new and improved access routes, and eventually a range of visitor facilities.

About the RSPB
The RSPB speaks out for birds and wildlife, tackling the problems that threaten our environment. We rely upon memberships and donations to fund our work. Nature is amazing - help us keep it that way.

Accessibility
Due to the reserve being under construction, the public footpath along the seawall on the north side of the island will be the only area easily accessible for the immediate future. You can join this path at the marina, the Creeksea Ferry Inn or from our car park at the north-western end of our site.

Unfortunately, this path may not be suitable or accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs in parts.

From the top of the wall you'll enjoy a wonderful view across the river Crouch to Burnham-on-Crouch, and over the Defra marshland, managed by the RSPB. There will also be a view of the construction site on the island as it progresses, allowing the island to redevelop its ancient marshland character.

How to get here
By Train: Rochford, 6.6 miles (10.5 km) away.

By Bus: Canewdon, about three miles (4.8 km) from reserve - Stephensons Bus Route 60 runs from Southend on Sea. From the village Head east on High St toward Gays Lane. Continue onto Lambourne Hall Road. Continue onto Creeksea Ferry Road. Turn right to stay on Creeksea Ferry Road. Turn left.

By Road: From Rochford, Essex, take the Ashingdon road until you see the brown tourism signs at Bray's Lane and follow these to the RSPB Wallasea Island Wild Coast.

By Ferry: The scheduled ferry service between Wallasea and Burnham will be running every weekend and Bank Holiday Monday until the end of August and at other times by arrangement.