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large area of Saltmarsh and mudflats, of which
the main attraction is the wintering wildfowl
and waders.
B.R. Station Kirby Cross (change at Thorpe Le
Soken on Liverpool Street Line)
Walking time: 30 minutes O.S. Map 169.
Essex Chalklands
High rolling hills in north west Essex, mostly
made up of arable farmland with a few wooded
areas that managed to escape the M 11. There
is a good variety of wildlife here; stone curlew
have bred here and dotterel have been spotted
on passage, but the most important attraction
is that of deer, of which a variety may be seen.
The best area is the woods around Strethall.
B.R. Station Audley End (Liverpool Street Line)
Walking time: 30 minutes (though you just need
to step out of the station to be in the country-
side) O.S. Map 154.
Dengie Flats
Perhaps the wildest place in Essex. A massive
area of Saltmarsh and mudflats. The main
attraction is birdlife throughout the year,
especially during passage, when a good variety
may be seen. The north (Sales Point) and south
(Holliwell Point) edges of the area are well
worth looking out to sea from during easterly
winds (preferably when it's not raining!).
B.R. Station Burnham on Crouch (change at Wickford
on Liverpool Street Line)
Walking time: Not for the unfit. It will take
only 15 minutes to reach the River Crouch, but
about 11/2 hours' slog to reach the Dengie proper
Q.S. Map 168.