Foulness Island
Remote,
isolated, bleak in winter and refreshingly cool on the hottest of
summer days, Foulness is the largest of the Essex Islands and the
fourth largest island off the coast of England. Visitors are struck
by the size of Foulness, approximately 6,310 acres. The landscape
is typically Essex coastal marsh, flat with occasional scrub and
low growing trees. Two villages, Churchend and Courtsend are
located at the north of Foulness. These villages, plus isolated
farmsteads make up 83 dwellings in which live about 200 people.
Foulness was (for many years) controlled by the military, and
used as a proving ground over marsh sands for munitions. In 2003,
QinetiQ was awarded a contract to conduct this work and, whilst the
MOD retains ownership of the island, access is controlled through
QinetiQ. Large areas of the island, however, are farmed and there
is a very long established and close-knit community, which co-exits
with its neighbours. In earlier times, however, things were very
different. Evidence exists to show that there was once a Romano
British settlement here. Much later the area was a notorious
smuggling centre for which the deserted coast and innumerable
creeks offered ideal conditions.
Foulness and the adjoining Maplin Sands are internationally
famous as a haven for wildlife. It has the second largest colony of
Avocets and is a winter home for thousands of wading birds and
Brent Geese.
Please Note: Foulness Island is a restricted access area to the
public. Before attempting to visit, please check details with the
Parish Clerk.