Blue House Farm
605ac/245ha SSSI (part), SPA
Grid ref: TQ 856 971
Updated 31/12/2023.
Available also via books and apps – click here for details.
Mouse over links for pictures; click for detail page.
Most of Blue House Farm was originally saltmarsh until seawalls were constructed to capture land from the sea. It was then used as grazing pasture, this practice continuing today. Some of the higher, drier fields were used for crops but have now reverted to grassland.
Its wildlife is internationally important, particularly overwintering birds and also coastal plants and insects. It is a working farm, managed by maintaining high water levels and balancing livestock farming with wildlife conservation.
Visiting
Take the B1012 east from S Woodham Ferrers and after about 3 miles turn right to North Fambridge. Access is via a track on the left off Fambridge Road 400m south of North Fambridge station. SatNav: CM3 6GU.
A regular train service runs to Fambridge via Wickford.
Accessible at all times.
Mid-October–March for brent geese and wintering wildfowl; April–June for breeding birds and for hares.
No dogs on the permissive footpath, and please keep dogs under strict control elsewhere.
Please take care to close gates behind you as this is a working farm as well as a nature reserve. Leaflet available at the reserve or from Essex Wildlife Trust visitor centres. For more information call the warden on 01621 740687.
.jpg)