Northey Island

The closest you'll get to true wilderness in Essex

More about this place

Visitors walking through a garden in spring

Visiting this spring 

In England and Northern Ireland, our gardens, parks and countryside remain open for local people to exercise. Shops, houses and other indoor areas are closed, and cafés are takeaway only. The safety of our staff, volunteers and visitors from the nearby community remains our priority and we urge you to book your visits in advance and stay local. All places in Wales are currently closed. Please check the property webpage before you travel.

The brown sign marking the site of the Battle of Maldon in 991

Things to see and do at Northey Island 

Having arranged access in advance, cross the causeway to the island at low tide and discover the oldest battlefield in Britain. Listen to the bird calls and savour the sense of solitude.

Northey Island on the Essex Coast

Plan your visit to Northey Island 

Don't worry if you've never visited Northey Island in the Blackwater estuary before. Here are some suggestions to help you make the most of your time with us, having booked your visit in advance.

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Northey Island

Our work

Silhouettes of the geese coming in to land with an orange

Northey Island recognised in BBC Countryfile Awards 

Over 17,500 people voted across nine categories in the BBC Countryfile Awards - a celebration of the very best of the British countryside. Northey Island was shortlisted and awarded third place in the category of nature reserves. Thank you for your support. We will continue to make sure it is a safe place for flora and fauna to thrive and survive.

Dr Eleanor Rosamund Barraclough and our coastal projects manager Daniel Leggett explore Northey Island

Northey Island Podcast 

Listen to our podcast series, which tells the stories of how our places have played a part in shaping the social history of the country. In the first of the series Dr Eleanor Rosamund Barraclough visits Northey Island to learn more about the battle between the Vikings and Anglo-Saxons in 991 has left its mark on this fascinating coastline.

A Changing Coast

View over the Blackwater Estuary at Northey Island in Essex

Managing change at Northey Island 

The saltmarsh at Northey Island is fascinating, full of animals and plants that have adapted to live in various degrees of salty water. We want to see them survive and thrive into the future but they are under threat.

A woman wearing an orange jacket and sound boom leans over some sea foam on the beach at low tide

Sounding Coastal Change at Castaway 

Coastal change has been ever present in the lives of coastal communities, but it presents many new challenges for us today.

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Northey Island

Join or give

Looking out towards the water over healthy saltmarsh at Northey Island

Support our work through a donation 

Make a donation today and support our ongoing conservation work on Northey Island. We are currently restoring the salt marsh to aid us in managing coastal change in light of sea level rise and climate change.

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Northey Island

What's on

Upcoming events

Sorry, there are no upcoming events at this place.

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