Belton Hills

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A steep hillside overlooking the Thames estuary at Leigh-on-Sea that has covered over with scrub and small trees. Paths are cut through the scrub and these are lined with wild flowers and frequented by butterflies, including the marbled white – one of the few places in Essex where it can still be seen.

Some characteristic coastal plants that are rare in Essex grow here, including deptford pink (flowering June–August) and bithynian vetch (flowering May–June). In summer birds sing from almost every thicket – whitethroats, blackcaps and other migrants as well as residents such as yellowhammers and linnets.