Ground-ivy
Despite its name, Ground-ivy is actually a member of the dead-nettle family. It is a clump-forming, aromatic plant that likes woodlands, hedgerows and damp places.
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Ivy
Ivy is one of our most familiar plants, seen climbing up trees, walls, and along the ground, almost anywhere. It is a great provider of food and shelter for all kinds of animals, from butterflies…
Violet ground beetle
Violet ground beetles are active predators, coming out at night to hunt slugs and other invertebrates in gardens, woodlands and meadows.
Marine Week Species
Find out more about our six featured Marine Week species.
Adopt a Species
Give a gift to nature – and a loved one! Your generous support will help us protect and preserve our local wildlife.
Species of the month: Nightingale
Meet May's species of the month, the nightingale! Find out about the iconic songbird and how you can help monitor them in Essex.
Ivy bee
The ivy bee is a new arrival to the UK. First recorded here in 2001, it is slowly spreading north. It feeds mainly on the nectar of ivy flowers and can be seen in autumn when this plant is in…
Species in the spotlight - Common seals
The Common seal (Phoca vitulina), also known as the harbour seal is one of two seal species that can be found in the UK.
Protecting insect species in Essex
It was worrying to hear further news of insect decline earlier this year; it is reported that more than 40% of insect species are declining and a third are endangered.
Species in the spotlight - Fly Agaric
One of the most iconic fungi species; the Fly Agaric (Amanita muscaria) is the classic toadstool of fairy tales and a truly magical sight amongst the autumnal leaf litter.
Species in the spotlight - The Adder
Adders (Vipera berus) are the UK’s only venomous snake. Usually appearing from hibernation during March, Adders were spotted in Essex as early as February this year, due to the unseasonably warm…
Species in the spotlight - Goldfinches
Essex isn’t known for its technicolour birds, so it’s always a pleasure to spot an eye-catching Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis).