Colne Estuary (Mid-Essex Coast Phase 2). 28/07/94; England; 2,701 ha; 51°49'N 000°58'E. National Nature Reserve, Special Protection Area, SSSI. A short, branching estuary with five tidal arms flowing into the main river channel. The site includes an intertidal zone of mudflat communities. The estuary is of international importance for wintering Brent geese and Black-tailed Godwit and of national importance for breeding little terns and five other species of wintering waders and wildfowl. Various habitats include mudflats, saltmarsh, grazing marsh, reedbeds, sand and shingle spits, and unused gravel pits. The site supports outstanding assemblages of invertebrates and plants, several of which are nationally scarce. Human activities include nature conservation, tourism, recreation, research, and military activities. Ramsar site no. 665. Most recent RIS information: 1999.

England