Pied wagtail
The pied wagtail is a familiar bird across town and countryside. Its black-and-white markings and long, wagging tail make it easy to identify as it hops across the road or lawn.
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Grey wagtail
A breeding bird of fast-flowing, upland rivers, the grey wagtail can also be seen in lowland areas, farmyards and even towns in winter.
Yellow wagtail
The yellow wagtail can be spotted running about, chasing insects on lowland damp marshes and meadows during summer. As its name suggests, it does wag its tail!
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.
Pied flycatcher
The pied flycatcher is a summer visitor, migrating here from West Africa to breed. Look for this small, black-and-white bird in woodland, parks and gardens, mostly in the west of the UK.
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).