National Trust Northey island, near Maldon, Essex CM9 6PP (no parking)
Details
Accessibility
"Access by tidal causeway. Public car park at Promenade Park, Maldon. No toilets on island – use toilets in Promenade Park.
There is limited seating on the waymarked route.
Path surfaces are uneven and can be wet."
Brief description
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northey_Island
2025: "Northey Island is an island in the estuary of the River Blackwater, Essex. It is linked to the south bank of the river by a causeway, covered for up to 3 hours either side of high tide. The island is approximately 1 mile (2 km) to the east of Maldon, Essex and 1 mile (2 km) to the west of Osea Island.
The island is owned by the National Trust. For accurate information on visiting safely, saltmarsh creation and managed realignment go to www.nationaltrust.org.uk/northey-island
The Battle of Maldon, 991 is believed to have taken place on the causeway and the south bank of the Blackwater near the island. At that time the causeway is thought to have been half as long as it is presently – 120 yards rather than 240 yards today.[1]
Significant land reclamation was carried out by the Dutch contractor Nicholas Van Cropenrough in the early 18th century; he unwalled marshland to significantly enlarge the island but the walls were breached by the sea and the land returned to marshland on 29 November 1897.[2]
In 1923 Northey was bought by the writer and campaigner Norman Angell; in 1933 he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize[3].[citation needed]
The island is part of the Blackwater Estuary Site of Special Scientific Interest. Northey is home to diverse birdlife and this is reflected in the place name 'Awl Creek' which perpetuates the traditional Essex dialect word for the Avocet.[2]
At one time Northey was home to more species than it is now. The island was one of the last southern strongholds of the raven, the last bird being taken from the Ladies grove in 1888.[2]
It is one of 43 (unbridged) tidal islands which can be walked to from the British mainland and one of six such tidal islands in Essex.[4] "
Address
National Trust Northey island, near Maldon, Essex CM9 6PP (no parking)
northeyisland@nationaltrust.org.uk
Phone
Website
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/essex-bedfordshire-hertfordshire/northey-island
Directions
Access by tidal causeway. Public car park at Promenade Park, Maldon. No toilets on island – use toilets in Promenade Park.
Opening Times
Always check with the venue directly for up-to-date information including opening times and admission charges as they may be subject to change
Northey Island is closed to visitors from 1 October 2025-1 April 2026 to protect overwintering birds.
Transport
Northey causeway
Maldon
CM9 5UR
Amenities
- Car park
Public carpark at Promenade Park, Maldon, CM9 5UR. Northey Island is a mile away along the sea wall. Access by tidal causeway. Public car park at Promenade Park, Maldon. No toilets on island – use toilets in Promenade Park.
Dogs allowedDogs are welcome but due to the sensitive nature of the area we ask you to always keep them on a short lead of no more than 2 metres between 1st April and 31st July each year and at all times near livestock. At other times please keep them under very close control or on a lead.
Travel Information
For further travel information please see: www.traveline.info
Or call Traveline on 0871 200 22 33
(Calls cost 12p per minute plus your phone company's access charge)
Location
Nearest Venues
*Distances are calculated in a straight line from the current venue, please allow extra time/distance based on available paths or roads.