Oysters grown in Brightlingsea Creek were on the menu when members of the Cinque Port Liberty of Brightlingsea visited the Thames Estuary Lobster Hatchery on Friday, June 23.

The Brightlingsea Native Oyster Regeneration project has re-established the town’s historic oyster beds with Native and Gigas oysters.

Having gained accreditation from Tendring District Council and the government’s Centre of Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, the oysters are now being harvested and available to buy. The Rosebud pub is one of the first local venues to offer them to diners.

The event at the Hatchery on Brightlingsea’s Shipyard Estate was also attended by Rob White, the Deputy of the Cinque Port Liberty of Brightlingsea; Brightlingsea mayor Ric Morgan; the mayor and mayoress of Sandwich, Paul and Danielle Carter; and the deputy mayor of Fordwich, Barnaby Riggs.

The income from the sale of the oysters goes directly to the lobster hatchery, which is dedicated to conserving and growing the areas native lobster population, and will also support the centre’s education programmes.  A “Foster a Lobster” scheme is also helping to raise funds.

The hatchery is open to visitors and features a new soft play area, pictured, that is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. It’s also available for children’s birthday parties and other events.

For information about events and visits, see the hatchery website or email [email protected]