Farming was supplemented by industry with the island used as a source of clay . This led to the construction of a brickworks of which the chimney ( at ) survives . A tramway linked these works to a quay that was used by Thames barges . Shortsightedly , no serious effort was made to maintain the sea wall . The flood of 1953 caused the end of regular occupation of the island , which is now a haven for wildlife and salt marsh flowers . It is owned by the Bridgemarsh Island Trust
flood of 1953
North Sea flood of 1953
Bridgemarsh Island