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…

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

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

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  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…

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

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

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

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  11. Tollesbury Congregational Church has served the village since 1803.

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    4.92 miles away
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Number of results:

Number of results: 460

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  1. Address

    Lock Hill, Heybridge Basin, CM9 4RX

    Heybridge Basin

    Heybridge Basin's famous sea lock links the Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation to the Blackwater Estuary and would once have enabled smaller boats to enter and exit the canal and travel around the coastline. Today it is can still be used by suitable…

  2. Address

    The Quay, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, CM0 8AX

    Telephone

    01621 782105

    Burnham-on-Crouch

    Architecturally listed yacht club offering magnificent views of the River Crouch. Racing for day boats and dinghies, training for cadets and optimists - strong Junior Club. Large restaurant and bar with terrace. Visiting yachtsmen welcome.

  3. Address

    Katonia Avenue, Mayland, Essex, CM3 6AD

    Mayland

    This is a large, well equipped recreation ground with good access for cars and pedestrians.

  4. Address

    Great Totham, Essex, CM9 8NN

    Great Totham

    This fascinating walk explores the myriad of lanes and footpaths encircling the villages of Great Totham and Wickham Bishops, and in springtime provides the perfect opportunity to see Maldon District’s most spectacular display of bluebells in Shut…

  5. Address

    Howe Green Road, Purleigh, Essex, CM3 6QA

    Telephone

    01245 320426

    Purleigh

    A large, well equipped site in a lovely setting on the edge of the village. Car park, sports pavilion (available for private hire), cricket pitch, football pitch, two croquet lawns, enclosed children's play area and basketball hoop.

  6. Address

    Dykes Chase, Maldon, CM9 6HP

    Telephone

    01621 857373

    Maldon

    This attractive site was formerly part of a garden & was donated to Maldon Town Council for the use of the town's residents. It features a wide range of native & ornamental trees & shrubs along with views towards Beeleigh Weir.

  7. Address

    Quay House, Bradwell-On-Sea, CM0 7QX

    Telephone

    01920 438403

    Bradwell-On-Sea

    Our aim is to promote and advance the enjoyment of sailing and in our case that of cruising as we do not have a junior or dinghy section.

  8. Address

    West Maldon Community Centre, Sunbury Way, Maldon, CM9 6YH

    Maldon

    2.6 miles. This short Walk it Local route is an easy stroll starting close to Maldon town centre, but taking in the lovely Maldon Wick Nature Reserve and part of the disused railway line. Depending on the season you might see rare butterflies,…

  9. Address

    Wycke Hill Business Park, Wycke Hill, Maldon, CM9 6TU

    Telephone

    0345 600 1795

    Maldon

    Pets at Home stocks all your pet care needs, whether it's for dogs and cats, small animals or fish, reptiles and birds. Helpful and well-trained staff can answer your queries and help you choose the right food and accessories for your pet.

  10. Address

    St Mary the Virgin church, Church Street, Tollesbury, CM9 8QJ

    Telephone

    07908 776750

    Tollesbury

    Tollesbury War Memorial stands in the churchyard of St Mary the Virgin, a beautiful Grade II* Listed church. The memorial is a wooden cross on a three-stepped brick base. There is a second, stone war memorial on the playing fields at Victory…

  11. Address

    Fambridge Road, Althorne, Essex, CM3 6BZ

    Althorne

    Crouch Ridge Vineyard overlooks the River Crouch. We produce and sell award winning single variety still and sparkling wines from grapes grown at the vineyard. Come for the wine and stay for the view

  12. Address

    30 High Street, Maldon, CM9 5PJ

    Telephone

    01621 927200

    Maldon

    Independent boutique selling women's fashion, lifestyle items and accessories, along with gifts, childrenswear and menswear.

  13. Address

    160 Station Road, Burnham, CM0 8HJ

    Telephone

    07736 012091

    Burnham

    Unforgettables offers a range of balloons, cards and gifts plus balloon art including arches, columns and bouquets for those very special occasions

  14. Address

    Rectory Road, Tolleshunt Knights, CM9 8HF

    Tolleshunt Knights

    This 12th century Grade II* Listed church is now owned by the nearby Orthodox Monastery of St John the Baptist. The churchyard has two Commonwealth War Graves.

  15. Address

    Tollesbury Marina, Woodrolfe Rd, Tollesbury, Essex, CM9 8SE

    Telephone

    01621 869561

    Tollesbury

    Situated in the heart of one of the friendliest marinas on the East Coast facilities at this club include a restaurant and bar, swimming pool and tennis courts.

  16. Address

    Ferry Road, Creeksea, Burnham-on-Crouch, Essex, CM0 8PQ

    Telephone

    01621 782282

    Burnham-on-Crouch

    Superb 18 hole riverside course with stunning views over the River Crouch.

  17. Address

    Post Office Road, Woodham Mortimer, Maldon, CM9 6SY

    Woodham Mortimer

    A small, attractive site surrounded by mature hedgerows. Car park, small hall, football pitch and swings.

  18. Address

    Braxted Bakery, Little Braxted Lane, Little Braxted, CM8 3ET

    Little Braxted

    3.3 miles. The quiet lanes around Little Braxted make a pleasant walk with plenty to explore along the way, including a richly decorated Grade I listed church, fine old buildings with decorative chimneys and an unusual miniature railway at Braxted…

  19. Address

    Hackman's Lane, Purleigh, CM3 6RN

    Telephone

    01245 329358

    Purleigh

    Every Friday. Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome is opening up its peaceful wildlife walk for well-behaved dogs and their owners every Friday. There is free entry to the walk and visitors and their four-legged friends are welcome to buy lunch or other…

  20. Address

    Burnham, CM0 8SY

    Telephone

    07821 176161

    Burnham

    Burnham Cycling Club is a new, friendly club whose members enjoy all kinds of cycling, including road riding, mountain biking MTB, cyclocross, TT and racing. New members are welcome to join in friendly, non-competitive rides for all.