Little auk at the Naze (wild Essex)

We kept our heads down as we battled the wind on our way up to Stone Point, albeit occasionally stopping to gaze through binoculars at passing curlew or oystercatcher in flight or little sanderling running about on the beachline, joined in their never-ending task by chestnutty turnstone. The walk to the Stone is one thatContinueContinue reading “Little auk at the Naze (wild Essex)”

Northey Island

Beep, Beep, Beep, Beep. This was the sound that greeted us. Maldon’s recycling centre was a hive of activity as we walked past; perhaps an unlikely gateway to one of Essex’s hidden gems, but this is the juxtaposed reality of this oh so maligned of counties. Essex is a gloriously diverse county, and I amContinueContinue reading “Northey Island”

70 miles later. My Suffolk Coast Path Experience.

One foot ahead of the other. It doesn’t necessarily matter at what speed. You just need to keep moving forwards. The Suffolk Coast Path, which stretches from Lowestoft in the north of the county to Felixstowe in the south, is one of the lesser known long distance walking routes in England. From Friday to SundayContinueContinue reading “70 miles later. My Suffolk Coast Path Experience.”

Grey Plover

This weekend I was visited by my friend and fellow AFON committee member Matt Williams. We got together to continue work on an exciting project of which I hope to be able to divulge more information before long. It was a beautiful bright spring day on the Essex coast and we took a midday walkContinueContinue reading “Grey Plover”

Book Review: ‘The Old Ways’ by Robert Macfarlane

There is an area of south Essex that I have always dreamed of visiting, a place so remote and with such transitory terrain that it seems impossible that the edges of London are just 30 miles away. Nonetheless, between the Rivers Crouch and Thames is situated a mysterious footpath, in my mind one of theContinueContinue reading “Book Review: ‘The Old Ways’ by Robert Macfarlane”