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rabness Nature Reserve
Wrabness Nature Reserve covers 52
acres (210,000 m2) on the banks of
the River Stour estuary. The site was
once a former mine depot established
in 1921 by the Ministry of Defence.
It was closed in 1963. Following
closure, a number of planning
applications were put forward
(including an application for a prison in
1968 and 1989). The site was saved
from closure when it was bought by
Wrabness Nature Reserve Charitable
Trust in 1992. The site has now been
taken over by the Essex Wildlife Trust.
The reserve is an important
wildlife site - owls, yellowhammers,
whitethroats, turtle dove, song thrush,
nightingales and bullfinches can be
seen. There are also many wild plants
such as corn mint, hairy buttercup,
sea aster and ox-eye daisy.
There is good access with a
hard-core path around the reserve
making it accessible for pushchairs
or with disabilities.
Visitor Guide 2013 | Feature
Green Island Gardens
Green Island Gardens are private
gardens, open for the public to visit
in rdleigh near Colchester, Essex.
Professionally designed by its owner
Fiona Edmond, Green Island Gardens
are laid out as a series of structured
gardens displaying a huge range of
unusual trees, shrubs, perennials, and
bulbs - ‘a plantsmans paradise’.
Surely one of the best gardens open
to visit in Essex. Recommended in
Great British Gardens 2012 and
Essex Days Out.
The open gardens and plant nursery
are open regularly for the public to
visit and for the National Garden
Scheme. The gardens are also opened
for other charities each year. There
is also a tearoom newly refurbished
with garden design and photographic
exhibition.
itchfinders ay
Claiming the title of England’s
smallest town, Manningtree lies on
the southern bank of the River Stour.
Together with the neighbouring village
of Mistley, they are both rich in history
and architecture making them well
worth taking a little time to explore.
The town’s main claim to fame
comes from it’s association with
Matthew Hopkins, the 17th Century
Witchfinder General, the man who
claimed to hold the Devil’s own list
of all the witches in England. From
1645 to 1646 he was employed to
hunt out the area’s witches. Even
without this most famous character,
the architecture and social history
of both Mannintree and Mistley makes
a visit worthwhile. Many of the older
cottages were constructed by weavers
who settled in the area during the
16th century.
The Witchfinders Way is an ideal
ride for cyclists. The cycle ride starts
from the medieval seafaring town
of Harwich. The route will take
you through rolling countryside
and picturesque villages before you
reach the little port of Mistley. On
its return route you can take in the
fabulous views of the River Stour and
its hamlets before enjoying a walk on
Harwich Ha’penny Pier.
lresford
The village contains the ruins of an
old nglican church (St Peter’s), built
about 1300, by lfred de Staunton,
which burnt down in 1971.  mile
to the south of the village, past the
ruins of St Peter’s, is the picturesque
lresford Creek.
For more information of local alks
or cycle rides contact Clacton
Tourist Information Centre or visit:
.essex-sunshine-coast.org.uk
Clacton-on-Sea
Gardens
River Stour, rabness