Days out
Stour Estuary
WrabnessOpenSee opening timesExplore ancient woodland fringing a stunning estuary. From Hazel Dormice to ducks, Stour Estuary always has something special in store.
About
You'll find this reserve to the east of Colchester, on the estuary of the River Stour. There’s lots to enjoy here, especially in winter, when there are huge numbers of water birds on the shore. In spring, the woodland comes alive with birdsong and colourful wild flowers.
The woodland sits right next to the estuary, which means you can sometimes hear woodpeckers and waders, or Dunnocks and ducks at the same time.
Discover ancient woodland flora, with a superb display of Wood Anemones and Bluebells in spring. In summer, see a vibrant butterfly population, while autumn brings lots of fungi to spot. These woods are also home to one of our rarest (and sleepiest) species in the UK – the dormouse!
The woods are mainly Sweet Chestnut, probably the descendants of trees planted by the Romans 2,000 years ago. We still coppice the woods today, as it’s the best way to keep the woodland just right for its wildlife.
Large parties – if you could let us know in advance if you’re planning a visit it would be helpful.
At a glance
Please be aware there is a car parking charge in the National Trust car park, unless you are a NT member.
Our car park closes at dusk.
30 spaces No designated accessible or Blue Badge parking.
It is a firm gravel surface with no significant gradient.
Signposted off the B1352 Manningtree to Harwich Road.
3 bicycle racks available.
2m height restriction barrier.
No overnight parking or camping.
Alternative parking by the roadside but can reach capacity during Easter and Autumn holidays.
Please be considerate of other road users.
There re no toilets at this reserve.
Nearest public toilets in Manningtree or Harwich, 4 miles (6 km) in either direction.
Nearest public toilets in Manningtree or Harwich, 4 miles (6 km) in either direction.
Mixture of flat and undulating paths of up to 5 miles (7 km) length.
Stour Wood circular route, 0.5 mile (1 km): wide and flat, and without kissing gates. Natural clay surface which can become muddy. Most paths on upward or downward slopes surfaced to improve grip.
Circuit from Stour Wood to Stour Estuary and back, 2.5 miles (3.5 km) long has some difficult terrain and four solid kissing gates.
Mixture of flat and undulating paths of up to 5 miles (7 km) length.
Stour Wood circular route, 0.5 mile (1 km): wide and flat, and without kissing gates. Natural clay surface which can become muddy. Most paths on upward or downward slopes surfaced to improve grip.
Circuit from Stour Wood to Stour Estuary and back, 2.5 miles (3.5 km) long has some difficult terrain and four solid kissing gates.
There re no toilets at this reserve.
Nearest public toilets in Manningtree or Harwich, 4 miles (6 km) in either direction.
BBQs are a fire risk, endangering other people and the precious wildlife and habitats here. They are not permitted on the reserve at any time.
Dogs on leads are welcome on the public footpaths / bridleways around the reserve.
Please keep to the designated rights of way only.
Disturbing wildlife does more than simply causing it to move away; it uses up their energy, decreasing their chance of survival regardless of season.
Please do not allow your dog to swim in the estuary as this can disturb the sensitive wildlife.
Assistance dogs are welcome in all parts of the reserve.
See what’s here
Contact Stour Estuary
stourestuary@rspb.org.uk RSPB Stour Estuary, Wrabness Rd, Harwich, Essex, CO12 5ND 01206 391153