Protecting Our Seas
Essex has arguably the longest coastline in England, stretching for over 300 miles and supporting an abundance of wildlife. Essex Wildlife Trust along with The Wildlife Trusts has been campaiging for the creation of Marine Conservation Zones to provide better protection for marine habitats and wildlife, as well as improved management of activities at sea. In 2007 The Wildlife Trusts gathered more than 170,000 petition signatures in support of the Marine Bill and presented them to the Environment Secretary at a campaign event in the House of Commons.
Essex Wildlife Trust's vision
Essex Wildlife trust would like to see the identification and protection of marine biodiversity hotspots to protect marine habitats and species. This could be achieved through identifying which are the most valuable areas for biodiversity and where protection will yeld benefits fo the maintenance of the ecosystem structure and functioning.
2008 saw Essex Wildlife Trust launch a new marine project called Shoresearch. This is a volunteer scheme that aims to train members of the public to assist us in surveying our coastline and to build up a comprehensive picture of the marine life on our Essex shores.
Surveying by this method helps to assess and monitor the state of Essex shore life and identify and respond to changes as and when they happen. Initially concentration has been on the Blackwater Channel but in the future the project will cover a much greater area of Essex coast.
Shoresearch is a great way to get involved in wildlife conservation and to make a difference. Please find below a list of dates for Shoresearch days this year. If you would like to volunteer please contact Essex Wildlife Trust on 01621 862960.
Cudmore Grove Country Park, Mersea. Sun 23/5 at 12.30
Ref: TM0842515472
Meet in car park at the end of Basin Rd - TL8703406926
Heybridge Basin, Heybridge. Sun 20/6 at 11.00am.
Point Clear Bay, Point Clear. Sun 18/7 at 10.00am.
Ref: TM0842515472
Meet at the car park on Eastend Rd
St Peter's Flat, Bradwell on Sea. Sat 21/8 at 2.30pm
Meet at the car park on Eastend Rd
St Lawrence Bay Sat 18/9 at 12.30pm.
Meet in the car park off Main Rd
For more information and meeting arrangements please click here to email or telephone 01621 862960.