About the reserve

Skipper’s Island is the hidden gem of the Hamford Water National nature reserve, situated half a kilometre from the mainland, only accessible by boat.

Actually three islands rather than one, Skippers is home to many special animals but one more so than others – the Fishers Estuarine Moth. The island is the last strong hold for this Essex endemic moth in the UK, whose larvae relies on the Sea Hogs Fennel that grows here as its only food source. Growing alongside the Sea Hogs Fennel are Adder’s Tongue Ferns, Parsley Water-dropwort and the tiny purple flowers of Lax-flowered Sea Lavender.

Grassland rides have been maintained among the thorn thickets, giving way to flower rich swards of grass. Silently soaring over-head are Barn Owls, which will occasionally breed on the island, scanning for mammals scurrying through the long grass.

The thorn thickets also provides homes for many species of warbler, while breeding Shelduck and Oyster-catcher can be seen and heard calling across the saltmarsh. In the autumn and winter, Essex’s famous Brent Geese graze the marsh and rough pasture, sharing the island with many species of overwintering ducks and waders.

Did you know? The warden of Skippers Island, Ray Marsh, has been volunteering on the island for 50 years.