Bridgemarsh Island

Bridgemarsh Island lies in the tidal stretch of the River Crouch in Essex, three kilometres upstream from Burnham-on-Crouch. The main river channel runs south between the island and Canewdon, while Bridgemarsh and Althorne Creeks separate it from the mainland to the north. After the flood of 1736 a sea wall and a causeway were built, giving access at low tide. Clay digging brought industry to the island and a brickworks was constructed, its tall chimney still standing at grid reference TQ890967. A tramway once carried bricks to a quay used by Thames barges.

The island’s industry faded when the sea wall was neglected. The flood of 1953 ended regular occupation, leaving the land to wildlife and salt-marsh flowers. It is now owned by the Bridgemarsh Island Trust and forms part of the Essex estuary landscape. The surviving structures recall the island’s working past, while the creeks and saltings provide quiet habitats.

Visitors walk the old causeway at low tide to reach the island. The brickworks chimney and tramway remnants stand among wide salt marshes and tidal channels. Salt-marsh flora carpets the ground, and wading birds feed along the creeks. Views stretch across the river to Canewdon and along the Crouch towards Burnham-on-Crouch. The scene is peaceful, with no buildings except the single chimney and the occasional barge passing in the distance.