Mersea Island in Essex, eastern England comes as a revelation even to someone born and raised in the county.

Its west side is quite well-populated with houses, shops and good roads. But even this area offers sweeping views out to sea and across the estuaries, beaches packed with beautiful shells. There are also some bustling seafood restaurants where you can eat local oysters if that appeals.

The east is a coastal nature reserve and country park with beaches largely untroubled by signs of human civilisation, where landscape photography is a must. Here are just a few shots from a memorable afternoon spent on this Essex island.

Click on the first image to launch the full size gallery