A secluded island that once hosted Britan’s oldest documented battle is not known to many people, but the place offers unbelieavable views of the surrounding area. Yet, even the most ardent of history buffs will struggle to find their way onto the historic battlefield once occupied by Norse invaders.
That’s because Northey Island in the Blackwater Estuary in Essex is only accessible during the warmer months. Cut off when the tide rises, this sanctuary provides refuge for wildlife whilst offering spectacular coastal panoramas. Access is restricted to April through September, with the island remaining closed from October to March to safeguard overwintering bird populations.
The area has been described as the “closest you’ll get to true wilderness in Essex” by the National Trust, which oversees the island.
Although Norse invaders established their stronghold here during the Battle of Maldon in AD991, today the sounds of battle are nowhere to be heard, reports Essex Live.
Instead, Northey Island is alive with the sound of waders and waterfowl. The National Trust explains: “Today the island’s a little more tranquil and is a peaceful haven for wildlife, which can be seen and heard from our waymarked trail around part of the island.
“Having checked the details for visiting safely, crossing the causeway at low tide is still an exhilarating experience. In winter the estuary and the surrounding saltmarsh and fields on our farm are teeming with thousands of waders and wildfowl.
“These can be seen and heard from the river wall as access to the island is closed during this period, when our pastureland shelters large numbers of Brent geese, along with redshank, curlew and plovers.”
Access to the island is solely via a tidal causeway, thus it’s crucial to consult local tide times for Maldon prior to your visit.
The causeway becomes submerged roughly three hours either side of high tide, rendering access unsafe during these periods – and extra vigilance is necessary during spring tides or stormy conditions when the tides can advance more rapidly.
Please note that there is no visitor access to the house and gardens, and visitors are strictly prohibited from venturing onto the saltmarsh or mudflats. For further information, email northeyisland@nationaltrust.org.uk.