The Share our Shores season continues and our coastal team are excited to share sightings of chicks and plenty of nests being found at the protected sites. Roughly 15 ringed plover nests have been surveyed, although crow predation has meant many of these eggs did not make it. It has been wonderful to see young birds toddling up and down the coastline – the photo below was captured of a young ringed plover chick. Unfortunately, disturbance to these vulnerable birds does continue and we are working with Essex Marine Police to take action.

How can I help?

Chafford Gorges Nature Discovery Park is the Trust’s most biodiverse site, known for its array of habitats, rich geology and history. As one of the last remaining sites in Essex to support chalk grassland, the site sees many rare and nationally important species of wildflower and insect, including man orchids. By clearing an area of secondary woodland, the glades can be expanded into meadows, moving more of the chalk grassland from an ‘unfavourable’ to ‘good’ condition. These grasslands will help to extend the range of species relying on the rare habitat, such as great crested newts, butterflies, moths, alongside an array of wildflowers.  A similar project was completed successfully elsewhere on the site in smaller sections which is why Natural England are supporting us to complete this larger scale recovery project.  

Do you see butterflies when you are in your garden, going on walks or fluttering by in the street? Well, now is the time to turn that sighting into real evidence, to help us inform conservation across the county! This year, the Trust has launched a new campaign, Butterfly Seekers, to understand more about butterflies in Essex. From 5 June – 30 September, we are asking the public to:

1. Download the ArcGIS Survey 123 app – The app is available on both IOS and Android. 

2. Download the Butterfly Seekers survey. 

3. Go butterfly seeking and record your sightings – you don’t need to be an expert!

Become a Butterfly Seeker

Our conservation projects would not be possible without your support. Become a member of Essex Wildlife Trust today, and help us make conservation happen. 

I want to protect wildlife