NNR

National Nature Reserves are generally protected as SSSI's designated by Natural England under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981). They are often designated as the best examples of habitats generally of national importance. Originally designated as pristine areas for research, they are now also used extensively as areas for public access to nature.

The Colne estuary NNR covers over 700ha and is divided into three parts, the saltmarsh at Colne Point (see map), The grazing marsh at Brightlingsea (map) and the mudflats and shingle shores of East Mersea (map).

Click here for more information about the Colne estuary NNR from Natural England.

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