Lapwings at Blue House Farm, North Fambridge

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About

It is a working farm, mainly coastal grazing marsh with an area in arable production. Most of the farm was originally saltmarsh until sea walls were constructed to capture land from the sea. It was then used as grazing pasture, this practice continuing today. Some of the higher, drier fields are used for crops and about 90 acres are in cereal production.

The farm is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) as part of the River Crouch Marshes, notified for its wetland bird species and rare water beetles. It is within the Essex Coast Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA) which encourages land owners to retain and recreate coastal pastures and to increase areas of conservation wetlands.

The flat fields between the farmhouse and the sea wall are used in winter as a feeding ground by brent goose. Often more than 2,000 geese are seen, together with large numbers of wigeon grazing on the short turf.

Throughout the year hares are abundant and are most easily seen on these fields where cover is scarce. Skylarks also thrive, and are often heard singing high overhead in spring and summer.

The fleets provide deep water which is important for diving birds including tufted duck and little grebe. Our smallest duck, the teal, and our largest, the shelduck, are both commonly seen. At high tide sea birds move on to the fleets from the mudflats beyond the sea wall.

The creeks and ditches within the traditional grazing marsh are important habitats for rare water beetles and other water insects like the hairy dragonfly and scarce emerald damselfly. Those with thick vegetation support water voles and may, in time, again give shelter to otters, known to have lived here at least until 1963.

The marshy fields attract wading birds such as redshank, curlew and snipe which feed on creatures within the boggy ground. The saltmarsh and intertidal mud beyond the seawall provide abundant food for wading birds like these and for oystercatchers and black-tailed godwit.

Like most coastal grazing marsh the land was extensively drained for agriculture. The Trust is putting in sluices to raise and control water levels, vital for the wildlife. The level of grazing is also critical, so we are working towards a balance between good livestock farming and good conservation.

Map & Directions

Blue House Farm Nature Reserve

Type:Nature Reserve

Blue House Farm Chase, North Fambridge, Essex, CM3 6GU

Tel: 01621 862960

What's Nearby

  1. Blue House Farm was bought by the Essex Wildlife Trust in 1998 with support from the…

    0.1 miles away
  2. Facilities include a car park, football pitch, children's play site, and basketball net.…

    0.47 miles away
  3. This 200 year old church is the only place of worship in North Fambridge.

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  2. Woodstock Farm is a working farm that also offers farm experience days, a petting farm…

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  3. Small wooded area with a pond in St Stephens Road. Picnic table and access for walking.…

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  4. A small church situated on the edge of the village of Cold Norton.

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  5. This 5.5 acre reserve consists of the former Stow Maries Halt on the disused Maldon to…

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  6. The parish church of St Mary and St Margaret is Grade II* Listed. The church chancel was…

    2.2 miles away
  7. Well equipped and maintained site in a pleasant setting with views to the north west…

    2.37 miles away
  8. Martin's Lane Vineyard specializes in the production of only the finest quality and…

    2.39 miles away
  9. A large, well equipped site in a lovely setting on the edge of the village. Car park,…

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  10. Relax in the beautiful surroundingd of Clayhill Vineyard. Take in the stunning views of…

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  12. Althorne's unusual war memorial is in the form of a traditional, decorative lychgate,…

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  13. Crouch Ridge Vineyard overlooks the River Crouch. We produce and sell award winning…

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Number of results: 581

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    Telephone

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    Turkish barbershop offering a full range of hairdressing services for men and boys. No appointment required.

  2. Address

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    Telephone

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    Telephone

    01621 843191

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    Telephone

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  6. Address

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    Telephone

    01621 782624

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    Telephone

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  9. Address

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    Telephone

    01621 862960

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    Blue House Farm was bought by the Essex Wildlife Trust in 1998 with support from the Heritage Lottery Fund and many other donors.

  10. Address

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    Telephone

    01621 927644

    Maldon

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  11. Address

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    Telephone

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    Maldon

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  12. Address

    West Field car park, North Street, Tillingham, CM0 7TP

    Tillingham

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  13. Address

    Unit 3B, Bentalls Shopping Centre, Colchester Road, Maldon, CM9 4GD

    Telephone

    01621 850590

    Maldon

    The new Heybridge General Store and Post Office also offers stationery, books, news and magazines, essentials, snacks and an off-licence,

  14. Address

    St George’s Close, Heybridge Basin, Essex, CM9 4RZ

    Heybridge Basin

    Lying alongside the sea wall and to the north of the Heybridge Basin's built-up area is the only open space contained within the village and available for public use. There's a popular, well-equipped play area for younger children.

  15. Address

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    Telephone

    01621 776203

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    This active rural parish church, situated on a hilltop overlooking the Blackwater Estuary provides exhibitions and community activities. Light refreshments available.

  16. Address

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  17. Address

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    Telephone

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    Southminster

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  18. Address

    Maldon, Essex, CM9 4LE

    Maldon

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    Telephone

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