VILLAGE INDEX

Map courtesy of K S Brown

River to the Sea

Considering that the estuary of the Blackwater is one of the largest estuaries on the east coast of England for most of its 64 kilometres the river is a comparatively small stream suitable for watermills rather than navigation.

The River rises on the edge of Debden Airfield in North West Essex at which point it is known as the River Pant.

At Little Sampford the river increases in volume courtesy of an outlet of water piped from the River Ouse in Fenland.

By now the river is able to support watermills at Great Bardfield, Wethersfield and Codham although it is still shallow enough for the ford to be used at Rotten End farm, Shalford.

Countryside gives way to the urban sprawl of Bocking/Braintree at which point the River changes it's name from Pant to the Blackwater.

The river then passes through some of the most attractive countryside in Essex including Coggeshall Abbey Mill and Pointwell Mill at which point it is crossed by the long bridge that claims to be the oldest brick built bridge in the UK.

Modern life intervenes at Kelveden with crossings by the A12 road and the railway mainline before three more mills at Easterford, Dowcra and Little Braxted.

At Witham there is one more mill - The Blue Mill which is possible one of the finest of the River.

Langford brings the River to a large waterworks complex at which the old mill race now doubles as a source to service the water extractor sited in the old watermill.

The surviving water races on past Beeleigh weir to finally reach the estuary and the sea.

The Estuary

Wildlife and Conservation

The Estuary is a major staging post on the migration routes on birds flying between the Arctic and Africa and as such is regarded as of international importance.

Brent Geese, Dunlin, Gray Plover, Shelduck, Wigeon, Ringed Plover, Lapwing, Redshank and Black Tailed Godwits are found grazing the mudflat's in flocks of international significance.

Snails, Shellfish and worms all thrive in the mudflat's much of which is coated with eelgrass and green algae indicating a healthy environment.

The sea walls , shell banks, salt marshes and inland drainage dykes provide a superb habitat for many marine and land based wildlife.

Most of the area has been declared of special scientific interest.

Commercial Shipping

Maldon was an important port in the middle ages although it's importance has dwindled with time until the passing of the Thames Barges and small coastal traffic has seen the virtual closure of the Baltic Wharf Dock area and with it commercial shipping in the estuary.

In the 50's and 60's many vessels were laid up in the Blackwater to make use of the deep water and lack of commercial traffic although again this practice now happens rarely. One of the best known vessels to use the estuary for this purpose was the Ross Revenge better known as Pirate Radio Station - Radio Caroline that was berthed in the River from 1993 to 1995.

Mersea Museum website has some great pictures, a full history and lists A-Z many of the ships that were berthed in the River from 1925 onwards.

In view of the content at the Mersea Museum site no more details are provided on this site and anyone interested in this period of shipping should follow the link below.

To visit the relevant Mersea Museum Web Page please click here

Fishing

Commercial fishing operates from West Mersea on the Northern bank of the estuary at the point where the River Colne joins.

There are several boats operating from Bradwell on Sea that offer trips for fishermen to enjoy their sport offshore.

In January 2008 the estuary held three national fishing records

1. Stingray - 72 lb 2 oz from a boat in 1996
2. Starry Smoothhound - 23 lb 2 oz from the beach in 1998
3. Tope - 82 lb 8 oz  from a boat in 1992

Yachting/Sailing

The Blackwater is noted for its sailing qualities in its wide estuary.

There are numerous anchoring areas both onshore and offshore and the mud banks offer a suitable overnight base for yachtsmen.

Sailing Clubs with good facilities are found at regular intervals on the river.

	Bradwell Cruising Club
	Bradwell Quay Yacht Club
	Harlow Blackwater Sailing Club
	Marconi Sailing Club
	Maylandsea Bay Sailing Club
	Stone Sailing Club

Water Skiing

Stone Watersports Club

Bye Laws

The River is zoned for different used to ensure that the different uses such as swimming and Jetski's  can co-exist safely.

Most of the foreshore is protected by the special scientific designation.

Most of the inshore areas of the estuary is covered by a 4 or 8 knots speed limit for all craft.

Public Launch Ramp

The Public launch ramp is sited at St Lawrence.

Use should be agreed with Maldon District Council.

Users should be aware that the parking area associated with the use of this ramp is about 1/2 mile from the ramp