Just 9 miles south of Colchester lies England’s most easterly inhabited isle, Mersea Island. The island is split into West and East Mersea; the latter is mostly rural and there you will find Cudmore Grove Country Park.
The largely flat, dog-friendly ‘Green Flag Award’ park covers 102 acres and has consistently received this accolade year on year owing to its excellent management by Essex County Council as a public space. At Cudmore, the Council’s mission for it to be a space for recreation and for conservation seems to work. There are stunning views over the Colne and Blackwater Estuaries and there are many (accessible) paths to choose from. There is a beautiful sandy beach for some paddling, picnicking and beachcombing, marshes, meadows and a large, themed children’s play area. There are refreshments available (on a seasonal basis) and toilet facilities just by the car park.
Bring the binoculars
Cudmore Grove park is designated as a Ramsar Site, a Special Site of Scientific Interest and a National Nature Reserve; it is populated and/or visited by many types of wildlife and wildfowl throughout the year. As a protected wetland site of international importance, it’s a perfect spot for some birdwatching; the low-lying meadow and mud flats attract wading birds year round and there’s also a hide overlooking a pond for indulging in some wildlife-spotting. Also of note, the eroding cliff along the shoreline at Cudmore Grove has been declared a site of geological importance for it has yielded many ancient mammal fossils, some of which dating as far back as 300,000 years. Perhaps one of the most exotic ‘finds’ from the cliff are the remains of a hippopotamus!
Historic Features
Cudmore Grove is rich with ancient and more recent historical features, among which are World War 2 pillboxes (that you are free to explore – we did) and the remains of a 16th century blockhouse fort. Due to its geographic position, it was thought the threat of invasion was high and so it was heavily fortified in preparation. Thoughtfully, there’s a WW2 heritage trail for those interested in learning more about the wartime structures situated in the park.
Connecting Communities
The Mersea to Brightlingsea foot-ferry docks at Mersea Stone Beach in Cudmore Grove and will take you over the water to Brightlingsea Harbour in just a few minutes. The ferry is also accessible for wheelchair users and those with cycles though it only operates in the summer months.
Hungry?
If all the fresh air after exploring Cudmore Grove has you feeling hungry, nearby you will find some excellent East Mersea eateries including the Mersea Barns, the Dog and Pheasant and the Mersea Island Vineyard Mersea Island Vineyard Colchester, – 22 Reviews and Photos – Restaurantji.
Good to know
Cudmore Grove Country Park is open daily. Owned and managed by Essex County Council, parking can be paid for by card (very handy) at the machine in the carpark or via the MiPermit App. The park is well signposted for those coming across the Strood but don’t forget to check the tide times before your visit. For further information: www.visitmerseaisland.co.uk
