Two Tree Island

Two Tree Island is a small island in the Thames Estuary, lying between Canvey Island and Leigh-on-Sea in Essex. It covers 257 hectares and is joined to the mainland by a single-span bridge at Leigh. The island was reclaimed from the estuary in the 18th century and used as pasture before becoming a sewage works in 1910. From 1936 it served as a landfill site until 1974, when only a small area remained in use. Today it is a nature reserve managed by Essex Wildlife Trust, with the eastern half forming part of the Leigh National Nature Reserve. The island is important for wildlife, especially wading birds. Two bird hides once overlooked a lagoon where waders fed, but both were destroyed in 2019. The lagoon and nearby creeks can still be viewed from the west side. On the east side there are two more hides, one overlooking the scrape and another the former landfill reservoir. During the breeding season avocets and gulls nest here, and a nest watch has operated for years after egg thefts were reported. The island also supports community activities, including a scout water activity centre and model aircraft clubs. Military history is visible on the east side, where two First World War pillboxes stand. One is on the island and the other on Leigh Marshes, linked by a bank path visible at low tide. The pillboxes formed part of a signal system and can be reached from either car park in a short walk. The island’s varied past—from pasture to landfill to wildlife haven—remains visible in its landscape and structures.