Across Essex, young people are finding creative, hands-on ways to connect with each other and help protect the amazing wildlife around us.

Whether you live in a flat in Basildon or a farmhouse near Thaxted, there are loads of simple, nature-focused activities you can do to make a difference this summer, right on your doorstep.

1. Build a hedgehog house

Hedgehogs are a much-loved species in the UK, but their numbers are falling. You can help by building a hedgehog house in your garden, allotment, or even a quiet corner of a school or church yard.

All you need is a waterproof box (or some logs, leaves, and a wooden crate) and a little creativity. Place it in a shady spot and leave an entrance just big enough for a hedgehog to crawl through. Then wait—and with luck, you might get a spiky little visitor!

Watch Andrew's video on building a hedgehog house

2. Install a bird feeder or bird bath

One of the easiest ways to attract and care for birds is to provide food and water. Set up a bird feeder using recycled materials (like a plastic bottle or milk carton) or buy one from a local garden centre.

Birds also need fresh water for drinking and bathing, especially in hot weather. A shallow dish or upturned bin lid with some pebbles works well. Keep an eye out for blue tits, sparrows, and robins. It’s like having your own mini nature show at home!

3. Create a mini wildflower patch

Pollinators like bees and butterflies are vital to our ecosystems, but they’re in trouble. You can help by planting a small wildflower patch. Even a window box or container on a balcony will do!

Choose native wildflowers like cornflowers, poppies, or oxeye daisies. You can get seeds from local garden centres or the Essex Wildlife Trust. It’s fun to plant them, and even better to watch your patch come alive with buzzing bees and fluttering wings.

4. Build a bug hotel

Insects are essential for pollination and food chains, but they need safe places to live. Why not build a bug hotel using things you can find outdoors, like pinecones, twigs, bark, and old bamboo canes?

Stack the materials in a wooden frame or crate and place it in a quiet, sheltered corner. You might spot ladybirds, woodlice, and solitary bees moving in. It’s a great way to learn about minibeasts, and you can get your friends involved in building one too!

5. Go on a weekly Nature Walk (and Litter Pick!)

Grab your parents or friends, a litter picker, and a bin bag, and head out to a local green space. You could visit places like Danbury Common, Belfairs, or your nearest nature reserve. 

While you walk, look out for signs of wildlife, bird nests, animal tracks, or different plant species. Collect litter as you go to keep the area safe for animals. You could even turn it into a summer wildlife challenge, how many species can you spot in six weeks? 

Top tip: Always ask an adult before picking litter and wear thick gardening gloves in case of sharp objects!

6. Start a nature journal or wildlife photo album

This summer, document your wildlife journey. Sketch the birds you see, write down hedgehog sightings, or take photos of butterflies and flowers. You could create a scrapbook or share your photos on social media to raise awareness and encourage friends to get involved.

It’s a brilliant way to slow down, reflect, and see how much nature is thriving thanks to your efforts.

Go and do it!

Nature in Essex needs young champions and this summer, that could be you. Whether you're building a bug hotel with your family, planting flowers for bees, or just refilling a birdbath on a hot day, you're making a difference.

So, step outside, team up with friends or neighbours, and turn your summer into a season of discovery, connection, and care for the wildlife around you.

By Andrew Millham, Essex Wildlife Trust Ambassador