The Blackwater Estuary is the estuary of the Essex River Blackwater in south-east England.
Oysters have been harvested from the estuary for more than a thousand years and there are remains of Anglo-Saxon era fish traps. At the head of the estuary is the town of Maldon, which is a centre of salt production. The other major settlement is the town West Mersea, of Mersea Island, on the northern seaward side. Numerous other villages are on its banks.
Within the estuary is Northey Island which was the location for the first experiments in the UK in 'managed retreat', i.e. creating saltmarsh by setting sea walls back from what are perceived to be unsustainable positions.
Almost 4.4 square kilometres (1.7 sq mi) of the Blackwater Estuary is a designated as Special Protection Area for wildlife.
Read more about Blackwater Estuary: Birdlife
Famous quotes containing the word estuary:
“There is regret. Always, there is regret.
But it is better that our lives unloose,
As two tall ships, wind-mastered, wet with light,
Break from an estuary with their courses set,
And waving part, and waving drop from sight.”
—Philip Larkin (1922–1986)