Fingringhoe Wick

Mouse over links for pictures; click for detail page.

Fingringhoe Wick is Essex Wildlife Trust's flagship reserve on the west shore of the Colne Estuary, created out of disused gravel workings. From the dust and turmoil of 40 years of gravel extraction the Trust inherited a barren moonscape. But bare gravel, clay, mud and sediments are inviting seedbeds for wild plants, and today the disturbed, undulating terrain is largely buried in woodland, thickets and dense scrub. The reserve has an immense range of habitats, including patches of grassland, gorse heathland, reedbeds and – a vital wildlife feature – ponds and a large lake. There is a mixed plantation of trees, including conifers. The river frontage provides additional habitats such as saltmarsh, foreshore and inter-tidal mudflats.

Strategically placed on sloping ground overlooking the wild expanses of the Colne Estuary, The Wick offers one of the finest saltmarsh panoramas in eastern England.

Over 200 species of birds have been recorded, of which 50 species nest each year. Come in spring to hear the massed nightingale chorus and for other breeding migrants. Watch the ponds for the darting blue flash of a kingfisher. Kestrels nest, as well as tawny owls, little grebes and sparrowhawks. Between June and September, migrant waders find the Scrape attractive. The estuary, quiet for much of the year, comes into its own in winter. Thousands of wintering waders and wildfowl rely on the expanses of mud and saltmarsh for food or for roosting. This includes up to 700 avocets, viewable from the shore hides. Sea duck can be seen in mid-river.

You will see many rabbits and grey squirrels, and maybe a fox. There are regular sightings of brown hare, stoat and weasel. Watch out for common seals in the estuary.

At least 350 species of flowering plants have been recorded, including common spotted orchids and bee orchid. The shaded, humid conditions in the thickets suit ferns, mosses and lichens. Visit in spring for tiny unobtrusive clovers, medicks and trefoils. Summer is best for colourful species, especially sea lavender on the saltmarsh, and masses of dog roses.

The Wick teems with insect life. Thirteen species of dragonfly and damselfly breed on the reserve. Many common butterflies flourish, together with the less usual green hairstreak. The sandy, eroding cliff faces are attractive to bees, ants and wasps.

Strangely, frogs are almost unknown at The Wick, although there is a tiny breeding population of toads. Common lizards, slow worms, great crested newts and smooth newts are abundant. Adders and grass snakes are reported regularly.