Timeline 1950s to 2010s
As our 60th year draws to a close, we pick out key moments from across the decades, from our beginning as Essex Naturalists’ Trust, to becoming Essex Wildlife Trust and the county’s leading conservation charity that we are today...
The 1950s
1959
Founded by volunteers in October 1959, as the Essex Naturalists’ Trust
The 1960s
1960
Collared Dove – today, a common bird – first breeds in Essex
1961
Fingringhoe Wick nature reserve opens
1968
Acquisition of Colne Point nature reserve
Now common garden visitors, Collared Doves were once unknown to Essex. They rapidly colonised Europe, arriving in Britain during the 1950s.
The 1970s
1975
The Trust opens its first visitor centre, at Fingringhoe Wick
1977
Warley Place nature reserve opens
1979
Skippers Island donated to the Trust
Warley Place Nature Reserve
The 1980s
1984
Heath Fritillary butterfly introduced to Thrift Wood nature reserve
1984
Martin Rapley becomes the Trust’s first Education Officer
1986
Otters declared extinct in Essex
1987
John Hall becomes the Trust’s first Director (CEO)
Heath Fritillary
The 1990s
1990
Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre and nature reserve opens
1991
First signs of the Otter since the 1970s found on the River Colne
1991
Essex Naturalists’ Trust becomes Essex Wildlife Trust
1993
Tollesbury Wick nature reserve opens
1998
Blue House Farm nature reserve opens
Home to scuttling Pygmy Shrews, snuffling Badgers and soaring Marsh Harriers, Tollesbury Wick showcases some of Essex’s most impressive wildlife.
The 2000s
2000
Hanningfield Reservoir Visitor Centre opens
2001
The Trust moves to its main offices, Abbotts Hall Farm
2002
Pioneering seawall breach at Abbotts Hall Farm
2003
Bedfords Park Visitor Centre opens
Breach at Abbotts Hall Farm
The 2010s
2010
Water Voles reintroduced to the River Colne
2013
Sir David Attenborough opens Thurrock Thameside Nature Park
2013
The Blackwater, Crouch, Roach and Colne Estuaries designated Essex’s first Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ)
2015
Andrew Impey becomes the Trust’s CEO
2016
River Wardens win National Biodiversity Network award
2018
The Trust is working with more than 60,000 children a year
2019
Beavers return to Essex after 400-year absence
A pair of Beavers are introduced to a site in Finchingfield as part of a pioneering natural flood management scheme, in partnership with Spains Hall Estate, the Environment Agency and the Essex and Suffolk Rivers Trust.