A lifetime of Islands: Island 31 - Wallasea Island, Essex

Wednesday, 9 March 2011

Island 31 - Wallasea Island, Essex

This must be the only island I have ever visited that I didn't actually notice when I crossed onto it!  I cycled on to it 1986 and revisited in 2011.  Wallasea Island is separated from the mainland by the very narrow tidal channel of Paglesham Creek and there is a small bridge across the creek.  It is sandwiched between the Rivers Crouch and Roach. Oyster beds have been cultivated around the island since Roman times.

Wallasea Island is almost completely flat and low lying and most of it is good quality arable land, mainly used for growing wheat. There were 13 farms on the island in the mid 19th century but the number decreased during the second half of the 19th century.   The medieval field system was destroyed during 20th century drainage works. The island is now managed as one farm. The island flooded in 1736, 1897 and most recently in 1953 when 2 people and hundreds of farm animals were killed. After 1953 most of the farmhouses were demolished.

Wallasea Island has a marina and a touring/static caravan park. However I can't think who would want to come on holiday here unless they were birdwatchers or sailing enthusiasts. The area where the marina is now located was used for building fast motor torpedo boats during the Second World War. Timber and steel are imported to Baltic Wharf.

The RSPB owns part of the island and has breached the sea wall in parts of the island to create saltmarsh and mudflat habitats for wading birds: http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/w/wallaseaisland/index.aspx

There is a pub on the island, the Creeksea Ferry Inn but it didn't look very open when I visited in March 2011.