6:00am Friday 19th March 2010
By Jon Austin
A LARGE nature reserve could soon be created on farmland between Pitsea and Canvey.
Councillors vote on plans by the RSPB to create a 667-acre wildlife haven on Bowers Marshes next Tuesday.
The charity hopes to create a 49-acre reservoir and 25-acre saltwater lagoon, with a connecting ditch and pond system to attract wildfowl and wading birds.
It also wants to develop a special habitat for protected water voles.
The park would have a new footpath network, access track and 120-space car park near Great Mussels Farm, and be powered by up to eight 11.5m-high wind turbines.
The reservoir would provide habitat for birds, but would also allow water to be pumped by the turbines on to the marshland during drier months.
Members of Basildon Council’s development committee will make a final decision on the plans.
A council report ahead of the vote states: “This area, in conjunction with Wat Tyler Country Park, and other habitats being created in the South Essex Marshes, will create a significant community asset for both wildlife and local residents.”
An access track is proposed along the boundary between Bowers Marshes and Pitsea tip.
A second section of access track would run from the reservoir to the boundary with East Haven Creek.
There would be a circular bridleway and six viewing points with hides located across the site.
The report added: “The proposal will provide new wetland areas for birdlife in particular. However, it has been designed with mitigation measures to limit its impact on existing wildlife, and will provide a diverse environment to enhance the nature conservation aspects of the site.”
It said there was a high chance of archaeological remains in the area, so a full survey will have to be carried out before any work takes place.
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