Second World War pillbox and concrete barges used in D-Day Landings visible from the shell bank, picture by Marion Sidebottom

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About

At Bradwell-on-Sea, close to the ancient Chapel of St Peter-on-the-Walls, you can see the Cockle Spit or shell bank, a massive and ever-moving spit made from cockle and oyster shells. There is a small area of beach adjacent. Managed by the Essex Wildlife Trust, the Cockle Spit sees a huge number of wading birds and is a great place to see murmurations.

From here you can see a row of old ferro-concrete barges that are now used to limit erosion of the wildlife-rich saltmarshes. These are a legacy of the Second World War when they were towed out to France to form part of the Mulberry Harbours that helped the D-Day Landings of the Allied Forces. By the seawall you can also see the remains of a wooden control tower, part of the 1930s bombing range that was once here.

Facilities

Booking & Payment Details

  • Free Entry

Parking

  • Free Parking - about quarter of a mile away

Map & Directions

Bradwell-on-sea Shell Bank Nature Reserve and Mulberry Harbour remains

Type:Nature Reserve

East End Road, Bradwell-on-Sea, CM0 7PN

Opening Times

* At any time

What's Nearby

  1. This ancient Saxon chapel is the oldest church in England built by St Cedd in 654AD, it…

    0.18 miles away
  2. Othona is an open and inclusive Community rooted in the Christian tradition and drawing…

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  3. RAF Bradwell Bay is a former Royal Air Force station located on the Dengie Peninsular,…

    1.95 miles away
  1. Grade II Listed church dating from the 14th century, with the parish War Memorial inside…

    2.02 miles away
  2. Attractive site, surrounded by hedgerows and with a number of mature oak trees. Village…

    2.05 miles away
  3. Bradwell Marina, on the Blackwater Estuary is ideally situated for exploring the river,…

    2.5 miles away
  4. Information: Founded in 1993 by Fiona Oakes, Tower Hill Animal Sanctuary is a forever…

    3.25 miles away
  5. This Grade II listed parish church has a beautiful setting in the village square in…

    3.72 miles away
  6. Car park, public toilets, football pitch, cricket pitch, bowls club, sports pavilion,…

    3.88 miles away
  7. This church belongs to the Evangelical Fellowship of Congregational Churches. It is the…

    3.95 miles away
  8. Walkers along the sea wall at Tollesbury will be fascinated by the large red ship moored…

    4.16 miles away
  9. One of Essex Wildlife Trust's best reserves. A large (600 acres) tract of ancient grazing…

    4.39 miles away
  10. This active rural parish church, situated on a hilltop overlooking the Blackwater Estuary…

    4.78 miles away
  11. Tollesbury Congregational Church has served the village since 1803.

    4.9 miles away
  12. St James, Dengie is a small parish church serving the rural villages of Asheldham and…

    4.92 miles away
  13. WhimbrelArt in Tollesbury is a gallery specialising in the work of local artists and…

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Number of results:

Number of results: 459

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  1. Address

    Landbreach Ltd, Downs Road, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5HT

    Telephone

    07766480793

    Maldon

    From May 2023. This traditional pleasure boat was built locally in 1947 and, following a complete restoration, is once again offering trips around the estuary. Moored at the ‘little blue jetty’, the Viking Saga is the best way to view both the Hythe…

  2. Address

    Upper Plume school artificial pitch, Fambridge Road, Maldon, Essex, CM9 6AB

    Telephone

    01621854477

    Maldon

    Run by Simon and Ben from our community health and wellbeing team, Just Play Football is open to people aged 18-65 and is free to attend.

    Each session aims to get people who want to play football, but don't have the time or opportunity to play…

  3. Address

    Stow Maries, Essex, CM3 6SJ

    Telephone

    01621 862960

    Stow Maries

    This 5.5 acre reserve consists of the former Stow Maries Halt on the disused Maldon to South Woodham Ferrers railway line, along with an adjoining four-acre meadow acquired later.

  4. 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.

  5. Address

    On the Latch, Burnham Road, Latchingdon, CM3 6BL

    Telephone

    07930 243225

    Latchingdon

    Dengie Petting Zoo is run by J&C Party Pets, owners of Maldon Promenade Zoo. This smaller venue, in the grounds of On The Latch restaurant, has around 20 species of animals, most of which are rescued. The playful meerkats are a particular favourite…

  6. Address

    Fambridge Yacht Haven, Church Road, North Fambridge, CM3 6LR

    Telephone

    07760 268168

    North Fambridge

    Dawnbreaker IV has been built to a high specification to provide you with a fishing experience second to none. Fully insured and licenced for 10 persons and Code of Practice for up to 60 miles. Capable of up to 28 knots and with a comfortable…

  7. Address

    167 High Street, Maldon, CM9 5BS

    Telephone

    01621 842963

    Maldon

    First Stop Supermarket is a well-stocked convenience store with an array of genuinely fresh vegetables, fruit and generous bunches of herbs, as well as all the everyday grocery and household essentials. The store also has an off-licence and is open…

  8. Address

    Edwards Walk Shopping Arcade, 22 White Horse Lane, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5QP

    Telephone

    01621 488048

    Maldon

    Maldon Escape Rooms is suitable for families, groups, corporate team building, stag nights, hen nights and anyone wanting a good hour of fun solving puzzles against the clock. Can you escape our themed rooms in one hour or less?

  9. Address

    East End Road, Bradwell-on-Sea, CM0 7PN

    Bradwell-on-Sea

    The Cockle Spit is a massive and ever-moving bank made from cockle and oyster shells. It's managed by the Essex Wildlife Trust and is visited by a huge number of wading birds. From here you can see concrete barges from the Second World War, used in…

  10. Address

    Braxted Lane, Great Totham, Maldon, CM9 8DD

    Telephone

    01621 891474

    Great Totham

    A pleasant, undulating site, approximately half woodland and half grassland with some large oak trees. Childrens play site, basketball net and kickabout area.

  11. Address

    2-6 Devonshire Road, Burnham, CM0 8BH

    Telephone

    01621 784378

    Burnham

    Hardware and homeware shop selling a wide range of decorating supplies, including Dulux paint, along with all kinds of items for the home and garden.

  12. Address

    Promenade Park, Park Drive, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5JQ

    Maldon

    A free, fun, and friendly weekly 5k community event. Walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate – it's up to you!

  13. Address

    Saint Lawrence Hill, Steeple, Essex, CM0 7LN

    Telephone

    01621 776203

    Steeple

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

  14. Address

    Bradwell Waterside, Bradwell-on-Sea, Essex, CM0 7QY

    Telephone

    0345 200420

    Bradwell-on-Sea

    Essex Outdoors provides high quality outdoor learning opportunities to the young people of Essex, and the wider community.

  15. Address

    2 Chigborough Road, Essex, CM9 4RE

    Telephone

    07702244440

    An annual pass, £20 per person in 2022, gives permission to use the walking path around Chigborough Farm site, with proceeds going to Farleigh Hospice. Parking is not available, so pass holders must be able to walk to the site. Commercial dog…

  16. Address

    Millfields, Burnham-on-Crouch, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, CM0 8HS

    Telephone

    01621 854477

    Burnham-on-Crouch

    Overlooking the River Crouch, Burnham’s Riverside Park offers activity and relaxation in equal measure. It is an ideal place for a stroll, a run, a picnic or to take part in some sport.

  17. Address

    Mountains Road, Great Totham, Maldon, Essex, CM9 8BY

    Telephone

    01621 891215

    Maldon

    Mixed working farm that grows soft fruits and cereals and keeps livestock, including Christmas turkeys, with traditional "pick your own" available from around mid-June to mid-July, depending on the weather. Strawberries and raspberries are available…

  18. Address

    Butt Lane Car Park, Butt Lane, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5HD

    Maldon

    SALTMARSH COAST WALKING FESTIVAL - 7.25 miles. This most enjoyable waterside walk provides the perfect introduction to Maldon’s countryside and riverside, including the scenic Beeleigh Falls and the seawall beside the Blackwater Estuary.

  19. Address

    Muslim Hall, Church St, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5HP

    Telephone

    +447904659177

    Maldon

    Maldon Masjid – the Maldon District Islamic Cultural Association is set in a building that was once the Labour Hall. The mosque opened in 2005 and has been restored and transformed into a tranquil place for Muslim prayers. There is a separate…

  20. Address

    Bell Meadow, The Street, Woodham Walter, CM9 6RF

    Woodham Walter

    2.7 miles. This undulating walk explores the pretty village of Woodham Walter and its nearby woodland, known as The Wilderness, plus a visit to the scenic Hoe Mill Lock with its canal boats and wildlife.