Members of the public are not permitted access to this stretch of the beach and foreshore at any time, for any reason or purpose. This prohibition includes, but is not limited to:
Walking (inc dog walking), Running, Horse riding, Fishing, Bait Digging, Metal Detecting, Sunbathing, Swimming, Picnicking, Sailing, Watersports (e.g. Kitesurfing, Jet-skiing, Kayaking, Paddle Boarding etc.), Flying Drones.
In accordance with the Shoeburyness Artillery Ranges and Military Lands Byelaws, trespassers may be prosecuted and fines are applicable.
SHOEBURYNESS EAST BEACH
Part of the sea and foreshore area at East Beach is managed by Southend-on-Sea City Council and is open to members of the public under license from the MOD. Members of the public are generally permitted to occupy the sea and foreshore area directly in front of the beach, up to the yellow buoy markers (licensed area shown in bright blue on the map on this linked page).
No watercraft or person is permitted enter the Inner Sea Area beyond the licensed area, at any time. The only exception is when the Range is NOT ACTIVE, the Outer Sea Area is open and a vessel is travelling directly to or from the licensed area (Shoeburyness Anchorage).
Occasionally, QinetiQ will enforce a closure of Shoeburyness East Beach for health and safety reasons associated with live firing activity. On such occasions, the Yellow Diamond signals will be lowered to signal the closure.
There are two Yellow Diamond signals visible from public areas of Shoeburyness East Beach. They are mounted on the yard arm of Red Flag poles. When the Yellow Diamonds are raised the public may occupy the whole of Shoeburyness East Beach including the sands directly in front of the beach (up to the yellow buoy line). When the Yellow Diamonds are lowered (with or without the Red Flag flying), entry to the beach and sands area is prohibited. Access to the car park will still normally be permitted.
HISTORIC STRUCTURES IN GUNNERS PARK
There are number of decommissioned military structures in the Gunners Park and Nature Reserve that are associated with the former site of The Shoeburyness Garrison (e.g. Barge Pier, Heavy Quick Fire Battery, Gun Pits, Experimental Casements etc). Responsibility for managing these structures was transferred to Southend City Council in 2016. A full copy of the SCC Scrutiny Committee report can be downloaded from Related Information at the top of this page.
MULBERRY HARBOUR AND MOD BYELAWS
This historic structure is an iconic feature of the Shoeburyness coastline and continues to attract visitors who walk out across the foreshore at low tide. This can be a hazardous activity, and HM Coastguard warns members of the public about the dangers of being cut off by the fast rising tide and getting stuck in the soft, shifting mud.
The structure is also located within the Outer Sea Area of the MOD Range Sea Area which is regulated and controlled by the MOD Byelaws. The byelaws state that the Outer Sea Area is closed whilst uncovered by the sea which means that those that venture out to the structure are acting in contravention of the byelaws. Those found be to committing an offence under the byelaws are liable to prosecution.
The map below shows the location of the Mulberry Harbour in relation to the MOD Range Sea Area.
