A tidal saltmarsh site in Essex selected by the SPNR as an example of 'saltings'– land regularly flooded by tides. Today, the island is privately owned, but falls within the internationally recognised wetland area, the Blackwater Estuary (Ramsar site; European designations; Site of Special Scientific Interest). The mudflats, saltmarsh and pastures are important feeding and breeding grounds for birds of all kinds including common tern, Slavonian grebe, Brent goose, wigeon, dunlin, grey plover, redshank and curlew. The estuary is managed by a number of partners including Natural England, the RSPB, Essex Wildlife Trust and the National Trust.
(Above) the original SPNR survey documents for Osea Island
More information on Osea Island
Visit the Natural England page for Blackwater Estuary National Nature Reserve
Visit the JNCC page for Essex Estuaries Special Area of Conservation
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