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
This is a public beach managed by Southend-on-Sea City Council under license from the MOD. It is a very popular area for watersports, particularly Kitesurfing. Members of the public are generally permitted to occupy the beach, foreshore and the sea area directly in front of the beach within the licensed area (shown in bright blue on the map on this linked page).
No watercraft or person is permitted to remain in the Inner Sea Area beyond the licensed area (demarcated by a yellow buoy line) at any time. The only exception is when the Range is NOT ACTIVE, the Outer Sea Area is open and the vessel is travelling directly to or from the licensed area.
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.
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.
