The Naze, Walton

The Naze is a unique coastal landscape of outstanding geological and biological importance. As the most easterly peninsula in Essex it is an important site for migrating birds and boasts a number of different habitats, both terrestrial and marine.

Rich in history, the Naze has been used as farmland, a golf course and a military camp. The Naze Tower, an 86ft landmark built in 1720, stands prominently on the site.   A number of military relics on the Naze, include the mountings for ack-ack guns on the beach and several military pill boxes.

The John Weston Nature Reserve is a 9 acre reserve consisting of Blackthorn and Bramble thickets, rough grasslands and four ponds.  Nesting birds include Common and Lesser Whitethroat and Cetti’s Warbler.  Water Rail often seen and heard.  It is an important landfall for migrants, including many rarities, and also attracts a variety of winter visitors. The Naze is also a perfect place to get an introduction to marine wildlife, with harbour porpoise out to sea, common and grey seals in the backwaters and a whole host of species to find on the beach and in the mud pools including crabs, scallops and whelks.  Wildlife boat trips takes vistors along the Walton backwaters which were inspiration of the Secret Water, the eighth book in Arthur Ransome’s Swallows and Amazons.

The cliffs are fifty million years old and are designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The 70 foot high cliffs are made up of London clay, Red Crag and Thames sands and gravels.

Fossilised sharks teeth, shells and wood are often found on the beach.  The Essex Wildlife Trusts Naze Nature Discovery Centre located on site hosts a variety of educational events, walks, talks and discovery days throughout the year.

For local information contact:
Essex Wildlife Trust
Contact number: 01255 679379
Contact email: naze@essexwt.org.uk

Photo & content credit:  The Naze Nature Discovery Centre.