| The Crouch Valley line is a branch line running 16.5 miles from
Southminster to Wickford. The line took about two years to build
with materials shipped in to a quay at Stokes Hall, Althorne by
Thames barge, and was opened along it entire length to goods traffic
on the 1st June 1889 with passenger services starting one month
latter. In March 1890 a curve linking the Wickford/Southminster
line to the Wickford/Southend on Sea line was opened, the exact
route of this curve is not know and was only in use for 5 years
before the curve was closed on the 1st March 1895.
In 1889 the Wickford/Southminster lines comprised seven station
and two private sidings along its route. The stations were, Wickford
in the west followed by Battlesbridge, Woodham Ferrers, Fambridge,
Althorne, Burnham on Crouch and finally Southminster to the east.
The private sidings were at Hogwell between Woodham Ferrers and
Fambridge and at Cricksea between Althorne and Burnham on Crouch,
both Wickford and Southminster had engine sheds and sidings. At
this time a first class ticket from Burnham on Crouch to London
was 8s 8d (44pence) and a second class ticket was 4s 4d (22 pence).
On the 1st October 1889 a new route was opened linking Woodham
Ferrers to Maldon East, a line linking Maldon to Witham had already
opened in August 1846 for goods traffic and in October 1846 to passengers.
By 1890 it was possible to travel by train from Wickford via Battlesbridge,
Woodham Ferrers then on to the branch line to Stow St Mary halt,
Cold Norton, Barons Lane halt, Maldon West, Maldon East, Langford
& Ulting, Wickham Bishops to Witham. By 1953 the route between
Woodham Ferrers and Maldon had closed, with the passenger service
being withdrawn on the 10th September 1939. The goods service ceased
on the 1st April 1953. Also, the link between Maldon and Witham
was shut to passenger traffic on 7th September 1964 with the goods
service finishing on the 18 April 1966.
Changes in the communities were marked by the late 19th century
when agriculture was in decline and the more prosperous Victorians
purchased cheap parcels of land - called "plotlands" for
holiday homes and allotments. Land purchases were encouraged by
Iow return rail fares to London. Plotlands have since left a legacy
in a landscape with fruit trees, allotments and mature hedgerows.
The river Crouch remained an important artery for local produce
and freight for over 300 years and was only superseded by the Southminster
Railway Line, which was opened in 1889 and kept alive by those working
in London and by yachtsmen visiting Burnham on Crouch. By 1914 Woodham
Ferrers station had 10 daily trains, 2 platforms and a signal box.
Estuary Wildlife
The Essex Coast is one of the top five coastal wetlands in Britain
and is internationally important for the wildlife that now abounds,
with insects and during the winter months, worms, snails and shellfish
all attracting vast numbers of birds. Feeding across the tidal saltings
and sheltering until spring when they return north to their breeding
grounds, you may spot flocks of dunlin, lapwing and plovers during
winter. The Essex coast is an area of major attraction for thousands
of wading birds, ducks and geese.
Land that was originally salt marsh was drained and reclaimed from
the sea, but in 1897 the sea flooded the farmed fields. Salt marsh
has now returned, leaving only the original parallel lines of the
farmer's drainage ditches as evidence. The seawall and borrowdykes
offer fine views across the River Crouch and estuary.
Wickford To Battlesbridge
World War II pillboxes built at beginning of the war as part of
the coastal defences can be seen, one by the side of the railway
line and another slightly further on in the middle of a field.
Battlesbridge To Woodham Ferrers
Battlesbridge Antique Centre in the old Mill and surrounding buildings
is the largest in Essex. Established in 1967, it houses some 80
dealers and offers free admission and parking. The Old Granary,
which is just visible from the train, houses 5 floors of antiques,
collectables and reproductions. A coffee shop on the top floor commands
spectacular views of the surrounding area and the weir that marks
the start of the estuary and the tidal saltwater part of the River
Crouch. A visit can also include a meal at one of the two public
houses, the Barge and the Hawk.
Further on, views of Rettendon Church and Radar Hill break the
skyline while closer to the ground can be seen the greenhouses of
the wholesale nurseries.
Woodham Ferrers To North Fambridge
The modern town of South Woodham Ferrers emerged in the 1960's.
Rooftop horizons mimic riverside wharves, sail lofts and farm cottages.
Marsh Farm Country Park purchased by Essex County Council (ECC)
in 1973, is mainly surrounded by the tidal estuary of the River
Crouch. A management agreement protects the grazing marsh and maintains
traditional farming methods. Marsh Farm officially opened in 1984,
is a working farm where children can get close to farm animals and
play safely in adventure play areas. There is also a Country Park,
which boasts some excellent coastal walks. The Farm includes a Visitor
Centre, gift shop and an indoor lunch area. Details of special events
can be found in the Marsh farm events leaflet or from their Web
site, www.marshfarmcountrypark.co.uk
A taxi service from Woodham railway station to Marsh Farm is available
at a charge.
Near Fambridge the river comes up right up to the line, offering
a good view of saltmarsh. In the head waters of Stow Creek, can
be seen remains of the old wooden sailing barge CERF. The old cattle
dock at Hogwell siding is still visible in the triangle of a garden
by the station style cottages. It was built by the Railway Company
for farm workers as compensation for building the railway line over
the farmer's land. By the line is the Old Rectory built in 1830's
and later extended using money from land sold to the Railway Company.
A short walk from the station visit the quaint Ferry Boat Inn for
a quiet drink or meal.
North Fambridge To Althorne
At North Fambridge, Blue House Farm Nature Reserve of over 660 acres
in size, is now part of the Essex Wildlife Trust purchased in 1998.
The working farm comprises mainly coastal grazing marsh, as well
as saltmarsh and mudflats It is important for a wide range of wildlife
including skylarks, corn buntings, wigeon, grebes, ducks and wintering
wildfowl such as Brent geese. The area is also an important habitat
for rare water beetles. The farm is accessible at all times via
a public footpath along the seawall. A permissive footpath giving
access to bird hides overlooking the fleets is open from April 1st
to October 31st. For more information, please visit the web site
www.essexwt.org.uk
Near to Althorne, pylons and power cables carrying power to the
national grid from Bradwell Power Station are visible on the skyline,
while over the river at Canewdon, St. Nicholas Church, mainly 14th
century on a Norman foundation with a 15th century embattled tower
of ragstone, can be seen.
Althorne To Burnham
The Burnham to Woodham road can be seen as well as the sea wall
at Althorne Creek, where yachts and cranes from Bridgemarsh Marina
are visible. The odd rabbit, hare, pheasant or pigeon can be spotted.
An oyster shed near the oyster pits at Althorne can be seen by the
river.
Wildflowers including the magenta narrow leaved Everlasting Pea
grow in the stones by the track at Althorne station. In the station
yard beyond the platform and car park can be sen the newly finished
community garden. The land sloping down from the village to the
riverside is designated as being of Great Landscape Value. Bridgemarsh
Island is shown as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
Stretching for over 3km it was inhabited and farmed until it was
flooded in 1928 killing all the livestock and forcing the farmer,
Stan Clarke, to move onto the mainland. A brick and tile works were
sited on the island that used a tramway to convey the material to
and from a quay on the river where barges provided waterborne transport.
The chimney of the brickworks can still be seen at the Fambridge
end of the island.
At the crossing to Stokes Hall Farm, materials for the construction
of the line during the 1880’s were brought by sailing barge
from Kent and London. The small Burnham on Crouch cliff, facing
into the estuary provides a glimpse into the geological past of
Essex, forming part of the ridge of hills that can be seen north
of the railway line. Fossils of sharks teeth and bird skeletons
can be seen in the cliff face, evidence of life around 50 million
years ago.
Passing the lane to Creeksea and Cliff Reach, one can see, during
winter months, the tall chimneys of Creeksea Place reputed to be
the home of Anne Boleyn. There is a brief glimpse of the Burnham
Riverside Park around the yacht harbour and, across the river at
Wallasea Island, the timber yard and Essex Yacht Marina. A ferry
from Burnham Town Steps across to Wallasea is available at weekends
and bank holidays during summer.
Along Burnham quayside are many interesting features including
moored houseboats, the Burnham and District Museum, the Red Cross
Sensory Garden, the War Memorial, as well as pubs, hotels and restaurants.
Yacht Clubs on the Quayside include the Burnham Sailing Club and
Crouch Yacht clubs, as well as the Royal Burnham Yacht and the Royal
Corinthian yacht clubs. A visit to the High Street with its unique
Clock Tower, built in 1877, is a must.
Burnham To Southminster
Up the Southminster Road past the splendid Norman Parish Church
of St. Mary's, is Mangapps Farm Railway Museum which offers an interesting
collection of railway memorabilia. Rides on a steam locomotive from
a replica country station or "Thomas the Tank Engine"
days are available. Keep a look out for views of St. Leonard's Church
at Southminster or the gorse that grows by the track.
In the goods yard at Southminster, it is possible to see the gantry
used to lift the nuclear flask from Bradwell, from the lorry to
the Iow loader. Use the Dengie VillageLink bus from Southminster
Station for a visit to the Bradwell Power Station Visitors Centre
and St Cedds' ancient Saxon chapel, St Peters on the Wall, built
in 654 AD astride the western wall of the Roman shore fort of Othona.
Dengie VillageLink – Rail Connections
VillageLink is a network of rural bus services to help people
keep in touch for work, shopping, leisure, sport, entertainment,
family trips and much more. The Dengie VillageLink bus service B
compliments the Crouch Valley line train service, with connections
at Southminster \station. A short walk from the station, the 31X
First Eastern National bus service stops in Southminster High Street.
This bus connects at Latchingdon with Dengie VillageLink services
A, C and D for other parts of the Peninsula. Connections can also
be made at South Woodham with Dengie VillageLink service C.
On request VillageLink services B, C and D will divert to pick up
passengers on the flexible sections of each route. A Dengie Rover
ticket is available on all buses for journeys wholly on the Dengie
Peninsula. For further information about this service please contact Arriva on 08701 201088.
Walks served by the Crouch Valley Line
Althorne Pub Walk (Approx five & half miles)
This is a pleasant circular walk of about five & half miles
during which you can stop in any or all of three pubs for drinks,
coffee or a meal.
Fambridge to Althorne walk (Approx. five miles)
This superb walk follows the estuary along the sea wall which holds back the sea from the old marshland along the River
Crouch. Full information about these walks is in our 'Line Guide' in the 'Publicity' section.
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