Two Tree Island
This expansive nature reserve in Leigh-on-Sea covers 257 hectares (640 acres). The site is located just a few miles along the coast from Southend and contains miles of nice walking trails.
It's a lovely place with lots of little lagoons, pretty streams and great views across Hadleigh Ray to Canvey Island.
There's a huge amount of flora and fauna to look out for on the island. Saltmarsh plants include Sea Purslane, Common Sea-lavender, Sea Arrow-grass, Common Saltmarsh-grass and Sea Aster. There's lots of birdlife with thousands of waders including Avocets, Curlew, Dunlin, Redshank and Grey Prover. You'll also see lots of butterflies around the plants and wildflowers in the summer months. Look out for Marbled White, Small Skipper and Essex Skipper as you make your way along the footpaths.
The reserve is accessible with an on site car park and Leigh-on-Sea rail station within walking distance.
Two Tree Island is located very close to Hadleigh Country Park where you can visit the ruined castle and explore the extensive grounds. The woodland trails and nature discovery centre at Belfairs Woods are very near to the park too.
You could also cross the water to Canvey Island and enjoy a nice walk along the coastal path.
Postcode
SS9 2GB - Please note: Postcode may be approximate for some rural locationsTwo Tree Island Ordnance Survey Map 
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Two Tree Island Open Street Map 
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Two Tree Island OS Map 
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Two Tree Island Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
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Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Lagoons. These lagoons provide a popular spot for birdwatching. South Benfleet yacht club is in the background.
South Shore. Taken from the slipway. The creek is Hadleigh Ray with Canvey Island beyond.
Bird watching. Two Tree is a popular spot for migrating and feeding birds, particularly on a falling tide. Dunlin, Redshank, Bar-tailed Godwit and Black-headed Gull shown.
Two-Tree Island from Belton Hills, Leigh-on-Sea. The foreground shows the Belton Hills, an escarpment, and the middle ground shows the eastern end of the island at a high neap tide. The upper saltmarsh is exposed, but the mud is covered. Beyond the island the darker band is Canvey Island. Beyond that, the paler band is the north Kent coast.
Hadleigh Marsh. View across the marsh from the north bank of the island. Castle in Background
Looking towards Leigh-on-Sea the island. This photo was taken from the car park by the slipway.