Landscape Lens is our fixed-point photography project funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, to encourage residents and visitors to connect with the landscape.
One location as part of the project is the RSPB site at the Stour Estuary. This is an unusual reserve as it comprises of woodland immediately next to the Stour Estuary.
This fixed-point photography location is part of the new designation of the AONB in 2020, and will provide an excellent viewpoint to capture not only the wildlife, but seasonal and tidal changes to the bay. Over the course of five years, the Landscape Lens project will provide a fascinating record.
Why is the Stour Estuary RSPB site so important?
First of all, the woodland consists of ancient woodland flora, with anemones and bluebells in the spring, as well as Fungi later in the year.
Probably planted over existing ancient woodland, Stour and Copperas Woods now comprises mostly of sweet chestnut trees, with the RSPB continually trying to improve the woodland species diversity. Other trees in the wood include oak, small-leaved lime and the rare wild service tree.
Stour Wood is home to around 40 species of breeding birds, including treecreeper and wren. In spring and early summer, you may even hear the song of the nightingale.
In the autumn, redwing and fieldfare visit to feed on berries. The woodlands are home to a vibrant butterfly population and welcome specialist moths during the year too.
The River Stour is abundant with wildlife, particularly birds. The salt marshes and mudflats are home to avocet, ringed plover, and redshank.
Migrating birds, including Brent geese, grey plover and greenshank can be seen in the spring, late summer, and autumn as they stop to rest and feed. Huge flocks of birds arrive for the winter and can been seen on the mudflats.
The estuary is designated as a Special Protection Area (SPA), a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and as a Ramsar site.
Find out more about designated sites. Learn more about the Landscape Lens project.
