Ray Island, Nature reserve in Essex, United Kingdom
Ray Island covers 40.5 hectares of saltmarsh and features a sandy hill between Strood Channel and Ray Channel in the Blackwater Estuary.
The National Trust purchased Ray Island in 1970 and collaborated with Essex Wildlife Trust for management until recent years when resuming direct control.
The island's landscape influenced several literary works, including Mehalah: A Story of the Salt Marshes by Sabine Baring-Gould and The Essex Serpent by Sarah Perry.
Access to Ray Island requires a boat through Ray Channel from Mersea, and visitors should note that camping, fires, and barbecues are not permitted.
The reserve contains specific saltmarsh plants like lax-flowered sea-lavender and golden samphire, while supporting breeding populations of redshank, oystercatcher, and shelduck.
Website: http://www.essexwt.org.uk/reserves/ray-island-bonners-saltings
Website: http://essexwt.org.uk/reserves/ray-island-bonners-saltings
GPS coordinates: 51.79440,0.90694
Latest update: March 3, 2025 16:30
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