England · five wildlife sites

Nature reserves & wildlife sites in Essex

Explore these places for wildlife in Essex. Seasonal notes suggest when to look; sightings are not guaranteed.

01 / 05

Fingringhoe Wick

Near Fingringhoe, near Colchester.

Habitat: Grassland, scrub, woodland and ponds overlooking the Colne Estuary.
Wildlife to look for: Nightingale (especially April and May), cuckoo (spring and early summer), avocet (especially autumn and winter), brent goose (winter) and adder (spring to autumn).

02 / 05

Near Layer-de-la-Haye, near Colchester.

Habitat: Large freshwater reservoir surrounded by pasture, scrub and tree plantations.
Wildlife to look for: Great crested grebe, cormorant, pochard (especially autumn and winter), goldeneye (winter) and pintail (winter).

03 / 05

Near Downham, near Billericay.

Habitat: Large freshwater reservoir bordered by mature woodland and ponds.
Wildlife to look for: Gadwall (especially autumn and winter), tufted duck, pochard (especially autumn and winter), swift (summer) and swallow (spring and summer).

04 / 05

Near Leigh-on-Sea.

Habitat: Ancient woodland with coppiced areas, sunny rides and clearings.
Wildlife to look for: Heath fritillary butterfly (especially June), white admiral butterfly (summer), southern wood ant (spring to autumn), nuthatch and green woodpecker.

05 / 05

Near Mucking, near Stanford-le-Hope.

Habitat: Restored grassland and scrub overlooking the Thames Estuary’s mudflats.
Wildlife to look for: Skylark, barn owl, short-eared owl (winter), avocet (especially autumn and winter) and shrill carder bee (summer).