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    Common carder bumblebee - Wildnet / Nick Upton

    Common carder bumblebee - Wildnet / Nick Upton

    We are the county’s leading conservation charity, committed  to protecting wildlife and inspiring a lifelong love of nature. We manage nature reserves and discovery parks across the county,  providing outstanding outdoor education and preserving places of wonder.

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    Two Tree Island nature reserve

    Essex Wildlife Trust manages and protects over 8,400 acres of land on 87 nature reserves, 2 nature parks and runs 11 visitor centres. 

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    Brown Hare  - Photo: David Tipling/2020VISION

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Visitor Centres and Nature Reserves

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Abberton Reservoir Visitor Centre

Abberton Reservoir Nature Discovery Park

A wetland site of international importance for wildfowl. Up to 40,000 ducks, swans and geese visit each year. Excellent bird watching opportunities and fabulous views over the reservoir.

  • A family day out
  • Birdwatching
  • Butterflies
  • Getting away from it all
  • Overwintering birds
Abbotts Hall Farm

Abbotts Hall Farm

A 700 acre coastal farm and the head office of Essex Wildlife Trust situated on the Blackwater Estuary. Visitors can see the success of the coastal realignment project and enjoy a fantastic,…

  • Birdwatching
  • Getting away from it all
  • Historical interest
  • Overwintering birds
  • Stunning views
Aubrey Buxton Autumn

Aubrey Buxton Nature Reserve

Visit a beautifully wild nature reserve with its woodlands, ponds and species rich grasslands, filled with amazing wildlife

  • Ancient trees
  • Birdwatching
  • Butterflies
  • Fungi
  • Historical interest
Dormouse sleeping

Backwarden Nature Reserve

Wander through woodland and heathland at Backwarden Nature Reserve, a wonderful wildlife haven

  • Exploring woods
  • Reptiles
Bedfords Park visitor centre

Bedfords Park Nature Discovery Centre

Set in the stunning grounds of Bedfords Park, an historic parkland site of 215 acres, owned and managed by the London Borough of Havering. The nature reserve affords fantastic views over London…

  • A family day out
  • Bluebells
  • Dog walking
  • Drinks and food
  • Stunning views
Belfairs Wood

Belfairs Nature Discovery Centre

Belfairs Nature Discovery Centre is the gateway to the Daws Heath Woodland. The centre provides a space for schools, groups and families to learn about south Essex’s fantastic ancient woodlands in…

  • A family day out
  • Ancient trees
  • Butterflies
  • Dog walking
  • Exploring woods
Blue House Farm sunset Peter Hewitt

Blue House Farm Nature Reserve

Immerse yourself in the best wilderness Essex can offer and witness the true wonder of migration at Blue House Farm

  • A sense of the wild
  • Big skies
  • Birdwatching
  • Getting away from it all
Bradwell Shell Bank nature reserve

Bradwell Shell Bank Nature Reserve

Years of tidal currents have formed this special shell bank of cockle and oyster shells which surrounds an extensive saltmarsh, home to thousands of wintering birds

  • A sense of the wild
  • Birdwatching
  • Overwintering birds
  • Spring migrant birds
  • Stunning views
Brookes nature reserve

Brookes Nature Reserve

Step into this wonderful pocket of ancient woodland and meadows, filled with wildflowers in spring and butterflies in summer

  • Ancient trees
  • Autumn colour
  • Butterflies
  • Spring flowers
  • Wildflowers
Chafford Gorges work party

Chafford Gorges Nature Discovery Park

Chafford Gorges Nature Discovery Centre is set in a spectacular position over looking Warren Gorge. Chafford Gorges Nature Discvery Park offers 200 acres of green space for numerous wildlife and…

  • Birdwatching
  • Butterflies
  • Fungi
  • Geological interest
  • Wildflowers
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Love Essex - Love Wildlife

Essex Wildlife Trust Headquarters, Abbotts Hall Farm, Maldon Road, Great Wigborough, Colchester, CO5 7RZ
Telephone: 01621 862960 Email: admin@essexwt.org.uk
Registered Charity Number 210065    VAT Registered 945 7459 77    Company Number 00638666