Lower Raypits
137ac/55ha SSSI (part)
Grid ref: TQ 923 948
Updated 31/12/2023.
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Saltings, permanent pasture and seawalls on the Crouch estuary, purchased by the Essex Wildlife Trust in 1991 following an appeal. Most of the reserve lies within the Crouch Estuary SSSI, an important complex of saltmarsh, intertidal and grazing habitats that serves as a notable feeding and roosting area for wildfowl and waders. Wigeon, teal and pintail often use the area in winter in nationally important numbers, with up to 5,000 on the Crouch.
The seawall was damaged in 2007 and a section has been rebuilt, and at the same time a scrape, featuring special water vole islands, and a small saline lagoon were created. Thousands of birds over-winter and avocets and corn buntings are among those that nest.
Visiting
Access is via a long walk along the sea wall starting from the entrance to the Lion Creek reserve. This is on the Canewdon–Wallasea Island road, 1.5 miles east of Canewdon village
Open all year with access limited to the public footpath along the seawall.
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