Foot and Mouth Update

There has been a confirmed case of Foot and Mouth in Surrey. Essex Wildlife Trust visitor centres and nature reserves remain open as usual, apart from any permissive paths that run through fields which have livestock in them. This is a precautionary measure for the short-term to protect our livestock.

Please find below details about our reserves which currently have livestock on them. Please can we ask visitors who come from locations with livestock to think about whether their journey is necessary.

All public footpaths throughout our nature reserves remain open.

Permissive footpaths, which have been closed

The following reserves have permissive footpaths, which have been closed:

Langdon – The visitor centre and vast majority of the nature reserve remains open. Good walks and access still available. Permissive footpaths where there are livestock are closed.

Blue House Farm – The permissive footpath which runs through livestock fields is closed. However, the public footpath around the sea wall remains open.

Dell Meadows – The permissive footpath which runs through the livestock field is closed.

Little Haven – A number of permissive footpaths are closed, where livestock is/will be grazing. The public footpaths remain open. One public footpath is through a field of cattle and foot dips are in place to help protect livestock.

** Permissive paths, where Essex Wildlife Trust as the landowner has given permission to the public to use the path. Permission has been withdrawn as a precautionary measure.

Other reserves with livestock


Tollesbury Wick Marshes – Public footpath around the outskirts of the reserve remains open.

Fingringhoe Wick – The visitor centre and whole of the nature reserve remain open, including permissive paths.

Cranham Marsh – All livestock has been moved from permissive paths and public footpaths. The nature reserve remains open.

Ray Island – Essex Wildlife Trust are requesting any visitors remain close to the shore line.

Lower Raypits – The public footpath remains open.

Abbotts Hall Farm – Most permissive footpaths remain open, good walks and access still available.

Fobbing Marsh – Public footpath remains open.

Howlands Marsh – The permissive path remains open to the hide, public footpaths remain open

Little Waltham Meadows – The public footpath is open throughout the meadow.

We will continue to monitor the situation and update this information, if necessary.