A December to Remember: The Lobster Pot Christmas Tree...

December brought something truly special to Osea Leisure Park, as the banks of the Blackwater Estuary were lit up by a striking new festive landmark our Lobster Pot Christmas Tree at The Osea View Café.

Created by local artist and Osea Leisure owner Janie Robinson, the tree was built entirely from real fishing gear, with many of the materials rescued from the sea itself. Old oars, weathered rope, stray buoys and discarded lobster pots were carefully gathered and transformed into a dramatic coastal installation that celebrated both the area’s maritime heritage and the spirit of the season.

Set against the winter estuary and wrapped in hundreds of lights, the tree quickly became a talking point throughout December. Locals, guests staying at Osea Leisure Park and visitors to The Osea View Café paused along the sea wall to admire it, take photographs and reflect on the powerful connection between coast, community and conservation.

Supporting the RNLI

At the heart of the project was a commitment to supporting the RNLI. The tree helped raise vital funds for the charity, with donations supporting the lifesaving work of lifeboat crews along the Essex coastline and beyond and we are hugely grateful for all those who donated.

A Café on the Sea Wall

For guests staying at Osea Leisure Park, the Lobster Pot Tree was also a reminder of what makes The Osea View Café such a special part of the experience. Sitting directly on the sea wall, the café offers uninterrupted views across the Blackwater Estuary and is the perfect place to pause for breakfast, brunch, lunch or a warming drink after a coastal walk.

Whether it’s watching the tide roll in, spotting winter wildlife or simply enjoying the ever-changing light over the water, The Osea View Café is a very special part of a stay at Osea Leisure Park – relaxed, welcoming and deeply connected to its surroundings.

 Looking Ahead

Following its success, the Lobster Pot Christmas Tree will now become an annual tradition, returning each December as part of the festive season at Osea Leisure Park. We can’t wait to see it back on the sea wall, glowing once again against the estuary and bringing people together to celebrate the coast, creativity and community.

As we look ahead to the year to come, December’s tree remains a proud reminder of what makes Osea Leisure Park so special – a place shaped by the landscape, enriched by creativity and brought to life by the people who visit and stay here.