River Crouch at SWF

The water from the River Crouch at SWF (South Woodham Ferrers surrounds the town on three sides. Extensive chocolate coloured mud flats, shiny in the sun, are there to see at low tide. At high tide the water is almost up to the top of the banks and provides a marvellous view. One Sunday in July 2020 I went to the river just before at high tide. I walked round the river banks to collect some images.

  • High tide on the River Crouch
    The Harbour master keeping an eye on things
  • High tide on the River Crouch
    One black swan
  • High tide on the River Crouch
    The “S” bend that is Fenn Creek
  • Swans crossing the river in line astern
    Swans crossing the river in line astern
  • Swans crossing the river in line astern
    Playing at the water’s edge
  • Swans crossing the river in line astern
    A drink in the Smuggler’s Den

People congregate on both the South Woodham Ferrers and Hullbridge sides of the River Crouch to feed swans. A large population of these birds now exists. They paddle back and forth across the river where the ferryboat used to be. The choice of sides (South Woodham Ferrers or Hullbridge) is purely dependant on the availability of bread! One of the images shows the swans crossing in line astern from Hullbridge to South Woodham Ferrers.

Walking up stream its necessary and interesting to follow the twists and turns of the river and look across it. Looking to the Hullbridge side you can see the houses that back on to the river. Some houses have moorings. There is always lots to see on the River Crouch at SWF.

On the Sunday in question people were messing about on boats and the Harbourmaster was also present in their boat. I saw someone put a jet ski in the water then take it out again. They had noticed the Harbourmaster’s boat!