Abberton Reservoir, just south of Colchester, has a reputation among birders as one of the best artificial waters in the country, and can boast shovelers, Bewick''s swans, tree-nesting cormorants – a rare sight in Britain – and colonies of linnet, reed and sedge warblers and reed bunting. In spring there are often small numbers of garganey, and even osprey have become regular passing visitors. As well as its birds, you can spot small copper, small skipper and common blue butterflies. There is a visitor centre, boardwalks, hides and facilities for the disabled.



The Blackwater estuary and Dengie flats, east of Maldon, are Sites of Special Scientific Interest, and best known for the Brent geese that winter there – about a quarter of the world''s population. Winter is also a good time to spot short-eared owls, and you might also catch a glimpse of hen-harriers. Near Bradwell is a special reserve for the little tern, the rarest British-breeding sea bird.



The surrounding salt marshes are the perfect habitat for plants such as the sea pea, sea holly and sea lavender. Bee orchids can be found at the nature reserve near Asheldham.

At Tollesbury Wick is a rare Essex example of freshwater grazing marsh, with field vole and common shrew attracting raptors, and yellow-horned poppy on the shingle spits. Maldon Wick, particularly around the railway embankment, boasts 28 species of butterfly, as well as plants such as sweet violet and wild strawberry.



The low cliffs at Cudmore Grove Country Park, meanwhile, have produced fossilised evidence of wildlife that roamed the area in warmer times – including elephant and rhino. The cliffs are fragile, though, and anyone poking around is in danger of being buried.