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    [name] => The Wild Side of Essex: The Colne Estuary (Day Trip)
    [code] => GBR132
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    [description] => 
Join all-round naturalist and conservationist Chris Gibson for an exploration of his home patch on the Colne Estuary in north Essex.
Our walks will be centred around the internationally important mudflats and saltmarshes with birds, especially in winter, and plants and insects in summer. Alongside the estuary, ancient woodland on the ‘Essex Alps’ always holds birds, with fungi and flowers in season. Other habitats likely to be visited include reedbeds and grazing marshes, restored gravel pits, historic parkland with rare and specimen trees, and the attractive waterfront of Wivenhoe, with its array of scarce and unusual plants which have recently colonised the area.

What you will see on any walk will be very different from the same walk in a different season, so why not plan on returning? Each walk is on a circular 8-10km route, which is easy going, although can be muddy in stretches after rain, but this is the driest part of the country! No driving is involved, so travel to Wivenhoe by train is practical for those who wish. From birds to bugs to botany, galls to geology, this day will lift the lid on the sometimes surprising ‘wild side of Essex’.
We have scheduled some departure dates which can be taken back-to-back with The Wild Side of Essex: Exploring The Naze and Walton Backwaters (Day Trip).
As we run this tour throughout the year, please click on our 'detailed information' below to read about the highlights of the different seasons. 

A perfect day for the all-round naturalist
Raptors could include Marsh Harrier, Peregrine, Merlin plus Barn and Short-eared Owls
Mammals may include Harbour and Grey Seals, with a chance of an Otter
Waterbirds including Black-tailed Godwit, Avocet and Goosander
A good chance for Siskin and Redpoll feeding in Alders
Plants and fungi not overlooked
Unrivalled local knowledge of naturalist and conservationist Chris Gibson

    [introduction] => From birds to botany, galls to geology, this day will lift the lid on the sometimes surprising ‘wild side of Essex’.
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From birds to botany, galls to geology, a visit to the Colne Estuary and surrounding areas will lift the lid on the sometimes surprising ‘wild side’ of Essex, and is the perfect area for the all-round naturalist to discover. This 2,915 hectare area holds numerous environmental designations, and rightly so. The site’s collection of habitats includes saltmarsh, shingle spits, mud flats and historic gravel pits, and is of international importance for an array of avifauna including Little Tern and overwintering Brent Goose, Avocet and Black-tailed Godwit. Its assemblages of plants and invertebrates are also impressive, with species of note including Golden Samphire and Shrubby Seabblite. Along the Wivenhoe waterfront, an array of rare, scarce and unusual plants include Jersey Cudweed and Four-leaved Allseed; both recent colonisers. During the autumn months in particular, a visit to the salt marshes is enticing, with several species of Glasswort and late flowering Sea Aster and Golden Samphire providing a late flush of colour and attracting many butterflies as well as the rare Sea Aster Mining-bee, whilst the reedbeds and grazing marshes provide opportunities for birds such as Cetti’s Warbler. Striking inland onto the gravel ridge of the ‘Essex Alps’, there are many more interesting plants to find, including the local speciality Lesser Calamint, alongside an array of birds including chats, warblers and thrushes. In late summer, and into autumn, the area is also especially good for fungi, with such delights as coral fungi and brackets, Fly Agaric and earth-tongue. Cockaynes Wood Nature Reserve is also a fantastic location to visit; an exceptional example of ‘life after gravel’, now a reserve with shallow ponds for water birds and dragonflies, and the nearby Wivenhoe’s King George V field offers some magnificent trees, especially Holm Oaks.
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Winter (Nov-Feb):
Waterbirds feature heavily over winter, with Black-tailed Godwits, Avocets and Brent Geese prominent among a whole host of other wildfowl and waders, and hopefully also Kingfishers and raptors, including Marsh Harrier, Peregrine, Merlin and Barn and Short-eared Owls. Mammals could include Harbour and Grey Seals, with an outside chance of an Otter.
Inland waters are likely to have Goosanders, while in the parklands the magnificent trees from all over the world are attractive and interesting at any time of year. Areas of reedbed will hold (but not necessarily reveal!) Cetti’s Warblers, and waterside Alders may have Siskins and Redpolls among the roving bands of tits and other small birds.
If not too frosty, the grassland and heaths will continue to produce fungi and flowers, and even attract a few butterflies and other insects in winter sunshine.

Spring (Mar-May):
As spring progresses, the estuarine waterbirds decline in number, although those that remain begin to assume breeding plumage: Black-tailed Godwits are especially dramatic. Summer migrants return, with Common and Little Terns on the estuary, Sand Martins and Hobbies in the old gravel pits, warblers galore, and the unmistakeable song of Nightingales from several points along any of the routes. The reedbeds become alive with Reed and Sedge Warblers, usually with Cuckoos in close attendance, and by the end of spring a few Turtle Doves may be in residence.
Spring flowers feature in the woods, with magnificent displays of Bluebells and Wood Anemones, and more locally Opposite-leaved Golden Saxifrage and Town-hall-clock. Birdsong and blooming are an essential backdrop to the first flush of insects, from Emperor Moths and Orange-tips to Green Hairstreaks and the early damselflies.

Summer (Jun-Aug):
This is the time when there is so much to see that the walks may end up being significantly shorter in distance!
The estuarine saltmarshes reveal their botanical riches, with swathes of Sea Pink and Sea Lavender, as the sea walls light up with Salsify, Grass Vetchling and Strawberry Clover. Even the developed water frontage of Wivenhoe has its specialities, including Jersey Cudweed and Four-leaved Allseed. And at the height of summer, the heathland in the restored gravel workings holds one of the best displays of Heather in the county, along with its attendant insects and spiders.
Dragonflies include Emperor and Four-spotted and Scarce Chasers, while the flower-rich grasslands attract burnet moths and brown and skipper butterflies in abundance. Their main nectar sources – Black Knapweed, Field Scabious, Hogweed and Wild Carrot – also support a vast array of other interesting bees, flies, bugs and other invertebrates. The ancient woods should be featuring Purple Hairstreaks and White Admirals, and maybe even Purple Emperors. Wivenhoe is especially renowned for its Stag Beetles, and we may be lucky enough to encounter one of these lumbering giants.
Birds are breeding – Oystercatchers and Common Terns, warblers in the scrub, woods and reedbeds, Buzzards and woodpeckers in the parklands to name but a few – but also the first returning waders, usually in smart summer plumage, start to drift through from early July onwards.

Autumn (Sep-Oct):
Black-tailed Godwit and Avocet numbers in the estuary will be building rapidly, large flocks often viewable on a rising tide, with a host of other water birds, including the first arriving Brent Geese. Striking inland up onto the gravel ridge of the ‘Essex Alps’, there are plenty of scarce plants to occupy us, including the local speciality Lesser Calamint. Being autumn, migrant birds may turn up anywhere – although not guaranteed – and could include chats, warblers and the winter thrushes.
Salt marshes are in the full flush of autumn colour, with several species of Glasswort, and the last flowerings of Sea Aster and Golden Samphire, hopefully attracting butterflies and the rare Sea Aster Mining-bee, while reedbeds and grazing marshes will provide opportunities for birds such as Cetti’s Warblers. Willow Emerald damselflies, Common Darters and Migrant Hawkers are likely to be flying, and wherever there is flowering Ivy, it will be attracting late season butterflies, hoverflies and bees. If the preceding weather has been conducive, we may encounter an array of spectacular fungi, including coral fungi and brackets, Fly Agaric and earth-tongues, and the magnificent trees of the parklands can always be relied upon to provide a dazzling display of leaf colour from around the world.
 
For anyone wishing to extend their stay in north Essex, Wivenhoe has options for overnight accommodation. Most convenient is the Black Buoy public house, a community pub which has two rooms, and serves excellent food and real ale. It is just 5 minutes’ walk from our meeting point outside Wivenhoe Railway Station. Another option is Wivenhoe House Hotel, with a greater selection of rooms and a top-class restaurant, but a little further away  – 5 minutes’ drive, 10 minutes on the bus, or 30 minutes’ walk to Wivenhoe Station. Chris is happy to recommend either of these options, and indeed to offer suggestions of other places you might like to visit as part of a longer stay.
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At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:

The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
Outstanding value and exceptional customer service

Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!
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A Naturetrek Tailormade holiday allows you, with the benefit of our wildlife travel expertise and destination experience, to enjoy the perfect private wildlife holiday – one that truly matches your requirements, expectations and ambitions. We will ensure the most competitive prices, superb naturalist guides and seamless ground services.
Some of the benefits of Naturetrek Tailormade travel include:
• A bespoke itinerary which is crafted by experts and designed specifically for you
• Private guiding by the very best local naturalists 
• Travel with people you know, at your own pace
• Incorporate as much culture, history or relaxation time as you wish
• Choose dates to suit you
• Select your preferred style of accommodation
• Travel with families and children of any age
Furthermore, our Tailormade team are always on hand to help and guide you along the way, with friendly advice, first-hand knowledge and inside information specific to your destination of choice. So if you have any queries about your holiday, we will be delighted to answer them. Please just give us a call!
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The Wild Side of Essex: The Colne Estuary (Day Trip)

Tour Code: GBR132

From birds to botany, galls to geology, this day will lift the lid on the sometimes surprising ‘wild side of Essex’.

£60

Land Only

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2.1kg CO2e

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Highlights

• A perfect day for the all-round naturalist
• Raptors could include Marsh Harrier, Peregrine, Merlin plus Barn and Short-eared Owls
• Mammals may include Harbour and Grey Seals, with a chance of an Otter
• Waterbirds including Black-tailed Godwit, Avocet and Goosander
• A good chance for Siskin and Redpoll feeding in Alders
• Plants and fungi not overlooked
• Unrivalled local knowledge of naturalist and conservationist Chris Gibson

Summary

Winter (Nov-Feb):Waterbirds feature heavily over winter, with Black-tailed Godwits, Avocets and Brent Geese prominent among a whole host of other wildfowl and waders, and hopefully also Kingfishers and raptors, including Marsh Harrier, Peregrine, Merlin and Barn and Short-eared Owls. Mammals could include Harbour and Grey Seals, with an outside chance of an Otter.Inland waters are likely to have Goosanders, while in the parklands the magnificent trees from all over the world are attractive and interesting at any time of year. Areas of reedbed will hold (but not necessarily reveal!) Cetti’s Warblers, and waterside Alders may have Siskins and Redpolls among the roving bands of tits and other small birds.If not too frosty, the grassland and heaths will continue to produce fungi and flowers, and even attract a few butterflies and other insects in winter sunshine.

Spring (Mar-May):As spring progresses, the estuarine waterbirds decline in number, although those that remain begin to assume breeding plumage: Black-tailed Godwits are especially dramatic. Summer migrants return, with Common and Little Terns on the estuary, Sand Martins and Hobbies in the old gravel pits, warblers galore, and the unmistakeable song of Nightingales from several points along any of the routes. The reedbeds become alive with Reed and Sedge Warblers, usually with Cuckoos in close attendance, and by the end of spring a few Turtle Doves may be in residence.Spring flowers feature in the woods, with magnificent displays of Bluebells and Wood Anemones, and more locally Opposite-leaved Golden Saxifrage and Town-hall-clock. Birdsong and blooming are an essential backdrop to the first flush of insects, from Emperor Moths and Orange-tips to Green Hairstreaks and the early damselflies.

Summer (Jun-Aug):This is the time when there is so much to see that the walks may end up being significantly shorter in distance!The estuarine saltmarshes reveal their botanical riches, with swathes of Sea Pink and Sea Lavender, as the sea walls light up with Salsify, Grass Vetchling and Strawberry Clover. Even the developed water frontage of Wivenhoe has its specialities, including Jersey Cudweed and Four-leaved Allseed. And at the height of summer, the heathland in the restored gravel workings holds one of the best displays of Heather in the county, along with its attendant insects and spiders.Dragonflies include Emperor and Four-spotted and Scarce Chasers, while the flower-rich grasslands attract burnet moths and brown and skipper butterflies in abundance. Their main nectar sources – Black Knapweed, Field Scabious, Hogweed and Wild Carrot – also support a vast array of other interesting bees, flies, bugs and other invertebrates. The ancient woods should be featuring Purple Hairstreaks and White Admirals, and maybe even Purple Emperors. Wivenhoe is especially renowned for its Stag Beetles, and we may be lucky enough to encounter one of these lumbering giants.Birds are breeding – Oystercatchers and Common Terns, warblers in the scrub, woods and reedbeds, Buzzards and woodpeckers in the parklands to name but a few – but also the first returning waders, usually in smart summer plumage, start to drift through from early July onwards.

Autumn (Sep-Oct):Black-tailed Godwit and Avocet numbers in the estuary will be building rapidly, large flocks often viewable on a rising tide, with a host of other water birds, including the first arriving Brent Geese. Striking inland up onto the gravel ridge of the ‘Essex Alps’, there are plenty of scarce plants to occupy us, including the local speciality Lesser Calamint. Being autumn, migrant birds may turn up anywhere – although not guaranteed – and could include chats, warblers and the winter thrushes.Salt marshes are in the full flush of autumn colour, with several species of Glasswort, and the last flowerings of Sea Aster and Golden Samphire, hopefully attracting butterflies and the rare Sea Aster Mining-bee, while reedbeds and grazing marshes will provide opportunities for birds such as Cetti’s Warblers. Willow Emerald damselflies, Common Darters and Migrant Hawkers are likely to be flying, and wherever there is flowering Ivy, it will be attracting late season butterflies, hoverflies and bees. If the preceding weather has been conducive, we may encounter an array of spectacular fungi, including coral fungi and brackets, Fly Agaric and earth-tongues, and the magnificent trees of the parklands can always be relied upon to provide a dazzling display of leaf colour from around the world.

For anyone wishing to extend their stay in north Essex, Wivenhoe has options for overnight accommodation. Most convenient is the Black Buoy public house, a community pub which has two rooms, and serves excellent food and real ale. It is just 5 minutes’ walk from our meeting point outside Wivenhoe Railway Station. Another option is Wivenhoe House Hotel, with a greater selection of rooms and a top-class restaurant, but a little further away  – 5 minutes’ drive, 10 minutes on the bus, or 30 minutes’ walk to Wivenhoe Station. Chris is happy to recommend either of these options, and indeed to offer suggestions of other places you might like to visit as part of a longer stay.

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Day Trip Location

Dates & Prices

2026

Tue 22nd Sep

5 SPACES £60

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Land Only

£60

Tour Leader

Chris Gibson

Chris is an experienced and enthusiastic all-round naturalist, based in Essex, though still a Yorkshireman at heart.

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Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?

For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.

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Why Naturetrek?

At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:

• The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
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Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!

Why Choose Naturetrek?

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