Tiptree Heath

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Tiptree Heath is a small fragment of a huge heathland that used to stretch from Maldon to Messing, covering thousands of acres. It is the finest and largest area of heath in Essex, and the only place where you will find all three heather species growing together.

The heath had been nibbled away by enclosure for centuries before it received what seemed like a death blow during World War II, when the common land laws were suspended and it was ploughed up for agriculture. But it produced only poor crops, and in 1955 was sown with grass seed and left to look after itself. The result was that some of it turned into light woodland and scrub, but on large areas the heathland plants reappeared.

In 1973 the present heath was designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It is privately owned, and managed by Essex Wildlife Trust with the support of the Friends of Tiptree Heath.

Ling heather, which is tall and vigorous enough to survive in gorse, covers large areas, and there are areas of bell heather and a small amount of cross-leaved heath that prefers the wetter parts. In late summer, harebells can be seen with their dainty blue bell-shaped flowers. The heath also has a number of other unusual wild plants, including heath dog-violet, allseed and chaffweed.

Its birdlife includes many willow warblers, nightingales, turtle doves and the occasional woodcock.