Natural England - Hamford Water NNR
Hamford Water NNR
The reserve is a large estuarine basin comprising tidal creeks, intertidal mud and sand flats, and saltmarshes.
County: Essex
Main habitats: Coastal
Area: 1448 Ha
Site map: Nature on the Map
Although most NNRs are managed by Natural England, 88 are wholly or partly managed by other bodies approved by Council, under Section 35 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
Hamford Water NNR is managed by Natural England and the Essex Wildlife Trust.
View a map of the reserve 
.
Hamford Water is home to wintering populations of dark-bellied Brent geese, black-tailed godwit, redshank, ringed and grey plover, shelduck, teal and avocet. There is also a large breeding colony of little terns. During severe winter weather the area is an important refuge for wildfowl and waders.
The reserve's saltmarshes support one of Britain's rarest coastal plants: sea hog's fennel.
The best time to visit is during the winter, for visiting birds.
Location and access
Hamford Water is on the north east Essex coast, approximately five km south of Harwich, and one km north of Walton-on-the-Naze. To the north the area is bounded by the B1414 (accessed via the A120) and in the south by the B1034 (accessed via the A133).
The nearest train station is Walton (two km away).
Access is limited but the area can be viewed from a sea wall that surrounds much of the site.
Skippers Island is part of the NNR managed by the Essex Wildlife Trust. Visitors can access the island but must have prior permission to do so. For details telephone the Trust on 01206 729678.
Facilities
The nearest car parking, toilet and refreshment facilities are in Walton-on-the-Naze.