5-Dec-2014 Two Tree Island

 We drove to Essex Thursday afternoon arriving before dark at the Premier Inn on the outskirts of Southend- away from the shops and nightlife. There were no facilities for food due to refurbishment so we stocked up with bread and cheese for a supper later in the room. We were making a surprise visit to a relative of Bob’s back from the States whose 50^th birthday was to be the next day. We stayed for a glass of wine and catch up with his new family and then later than intended had our meagre supper in our room. No way were we having the complimentary bag of porridge and granola made instantly by pouring on boiling water. We found the other Premier Inn by Southend Airport and had a decent breakfast there.

South of Leigh on Sea station is 2 Tree Island. Its 640 acres consist of grassland, scrub, reed-bed, salt marsh and small lagoons. There are car parks and after driving over the bridge we were there and parked easily.

We set off on the nearest path along with plenty of dog walkers.

The island was named after 2 elm trees that blew down in the 1960s. It was reclaimed from the sea in the 18^th century when a seawall was built around the salt marsh. Unfortunately it was used as a rubbish tip from 1936 till the 1970s.

 As we walked in the opposite direction to Leigh we could see Hadleigh Castle. We thought we heard a woodpecker and later we found out the green variety are found here sometimes.

There was a strong breeze and the sun came out at last. It had rained a lot the day before so it was very muddy in places.

A huge container ship drifted slowly past which was a surprise and a shock, that something so large could appear so close.

 

 

There were red berries, flowering nettles, lichen covered bushes a few spindly trees and late blackberries. We saw birds but were unable to identify any unusual ones. They were probably wary of the many dogs around. We passed an area with rock or concrete slabs that had been designated as protected for snakes. There are lizards, slow worms and adders that won’t show themselves today. There were several bird hides.

Another sign warned of low flying aircraft- presumably model- but there were none of these either.

 

It took us 11/2hours to walk round the island’s 2 sections, the one nearer to Leigh being the muddier and slippy on inclines. It was lovely to have the sun on our faces despite the chill air but we feel there would be much more to see in spring or Summer.

 

We found a parking space in Leigh and explored the shops before a quick lunch and finding our way to Eastbourne for a family visit before Christmas.