East Point Marsh (EHER 48478)

A small area of grazing marsh, on the north side of Brightlingsea, which appears to be largely unimproved. Characteristic features include a short length of sea wall, relict salt marsh, and straightened ditches. There is no known below ground archaeology recorded in the marsh but indications of prehistoric activity in adjacent areas.

2014. Historic Grazing Marsh Project. Historic environment character: Small area of reclaimed marshland along the north side of Brightlingsea, formerly a continuation of Flag Creek that is thought to have been reclaimed at an early date, and certainly before the Chapman and Andre map of 1777 <1>. The area includes semi-improved relict salt marsh in fields divided by a straight drainage ditch. Evidence for prehistoric activity is known from adjacent areas. Character of vegetation: Semi-improved grassland, still with a diverse mix of species including Celery-leaved Buttercup Ranunculus sceleratus, Meadow Foxtail Alopecurus pratensis, Soft-rush Juncus effusus, Hard Rush Juncus inflexus, Meadow Barley Hordeum secalinum, Common Bent Agrostis capillaris, False Oatgrass Arrhenatherum elatius, Crested Dog’s-tail Cynosurus cristatus, Marsh Foxtail Alopecurus geniculatus and Floating Sweet-grass Glyceria fluitans. Common reed Phragmites australis in ditches. Threats: Further agricultural improvement Shoreline Management Plan: Hold the line to 2105. See <2>.