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Map of Wallasea Island Wild Coast project
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Male wheatear taking off from fencepostMale yellow wagtail singingSaltmarsh at Wallasea Island
Marsh harriers in mid-air tussleClouded yellow butterfly on viper's buglossBrown hare in green grass
Mudflat on managed realignment / retreat area of Wallasea IslandBlack-tailed godwitsOystercatcher flock at high tide roost, RSPB Snettisham reserve
Dark-bellied brent geese in flightJuvenile peregrine divingWreck of old boat in saltmarsh at managed realignment/retreat site, Wallasea Island, Essex

Top things to do in Spring

  1. Marvel at the aerial courtship displays of the redshanks
  2. Witness the arrival of spring migrants - look for white-rumped wheatears en route to their northern breeding grounds
  3. Be dazzled by bright flashes of yellow wagtails back from their winter in Africa

Top things to do in Summer

  1. View the marshes in bloom - sea lavender, sea aster and sea purslane create a carpet of colour
  2. See the rusty seals basking on the mudflats, gleaming red-golden in the sunshine
  3. Soak up the sun on the sea wall and hope to see a migrant butterfly - will it be a clouded yellow or painted lady?

Top things to do in Autumn

  1. Autumn migration begins with sightings of godwits and other waders
  2. Catch sight of roosting waders such as knots, dunlins and oystercatchers at high tide
  3. Wander along the sea wall and absorb the tranquil atmosphere

Top things to do in Winter

  1. The winter bird spectacle is at its best as waders and other coastal species feed on the exposed mud at low tide. They roost at high tide when the sea covers their feeding grounds
  2. Look amongst the brent goose flocks for the stripy-winged youngsters - did they have a good breeding season in Siberia?
  3. Watch out for a peregrine dashing across an angry sky - catch a glimpse if you're lucky!

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Your photos

  • First half of our unloading facility pontoon arrives
  • Wallasea's rocket
  • Wallathon Cyclists
  • Walvols ready for action!
  • Stonechat near the car park
  • Stonechat admiring modern art ;-)
  • Short-eared owl looking for voles
  • Great White Egret

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Downloads

WildSquare Bingo

WildSquare Bingo

2.8Mb, PDF

Date: 21 June 2010

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Extend your stay

Other places to visit

Male bearded tit hiding in reedbed

South Essex Marshes

Gateway to the largest wetland in Essex, on the doorstep of the Thames

Brown hare running

Hesketh Out Marsh

Instead of featureless fields, we now have a thriving tidal wetland full of wildlife

Thrift growing on the cliff tops, RSPB Troup Head nature reserve

Troup Head

Fantastic views with gorgeous gannets and a stunning seabird city

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