Stanford Warren EWT Nature Reserve 26th November 2000

A very sunny but windy day greeted us on our visit to Stanford Warren. This  Essex Wildlife Trust reserve has of one of the largest reed (Phragmites) beds in Essex, created by gravel extraction in the 1920s, together with areas of marsh and rough grassland. In spring and summer the reed beds are full of birds fussing around, including Reed Buntings, Reed Warblers, Sedge Warblers and Water Rails, In winter the area boasts Bearded Tits, Grey Wagtail and Snipe. 

Directions
 Access to the reserve is from London Road in Stanford-le-Hope — off the A1013, which runs alongside the A13. Turn south down Butts Lane then left into Mucking Wharf, park considerately by the former church at the start of footpath no. 38.

Species Observed:    


  1. Great Crested Grebe
  2. Cormorant
  3. Mute Swan
  4. Wigeon
  5. Mallard
  6. Tufted Duck
  7. Kestrel
  8. Coot
  9. Grey Plover
  10. Lapwing
  11. Dunlin
  12. Great Black-backed Gull
  13. Herring Gull
  14. Black-headed Gull
  15. Wood Pigeon
  16. Collared Dove
  17. Great Spotted Woodpecker
  18. Green Woodpecker
  19. Meadow Pipit
  20. Pied Wagtail
  21. Robin
  22. Blackbird
  23. Fieldfare
  24. Mistle Thrush
  25. Goldcrest
  26. Bearded Tit x6
  27. Long-tailed Tit
  28. Blue Tit
  29. Magpie
  30. Rook
  31. Carrion Crow
  32. Starling
  33. House Sparrow
  34. Goldfinch
  35. Yellowhammer
  36. Reed Bunting

Two Common Seals also observed in the Estuary


The extensive reed beds of Stanford Warren


The habitat is just fantastic for Bearded Tits


On the sea wall as the tide comes in


The sun on the reed beds is a wonderful sight