Essex Wildlife Trust has announced the completion of a 40-hectare wetland creation in South Essex. The project commenced in the spring of 2022 and aims to deliver greater breeding opportunities for threatened species, provide habitat connectivity and ensure climate change resilience through water storage, soil health and carbon sequestration.

Blue House Farm nature reserve, in North Fambridge, Maldon, is a coastal grazing habitat next to the River Crouch, spanning 287 hectares. The reserve is an essential contributor to the coastal habitats within Essex. This project will provide threatened species with a sizeable habitat for feeding, breeding, migration and respite so that biodiversity can flourish.

Since 1995, both lapwing and redshank breeding numbers have faced rapid declines. By adapting the landscape with scrapes and ditches, what usually would be dried land in the spring and summer is now a wetland that is hoped to support the thousands of overwintering waders, like redshank and lapwing, that flock to the nature reserve each year.

The Trust has already noted successful signs of breeding inside the new protected area, including a nesting pair of lapwing and oystercatcher.

Harry Smith, Warden at Blue House Farm nature reserve says:

“We are thrilled to announce the competition of this project. Wetlands are vital habitats and support over 40% of the world’s wildlife. In Essex, where rainfall is less frequent, it is important that we are restoring and creating new wetlands for the species that rely upon them. Even in its early stages, the new wetland is retaining rainfall well and we are seeing signs of new life within the protected area. It’s a really exciting project for the Trust.”

Rachel Maidment, Grants Manager for Biffa Award, says: “Biffa Award is extremely delighted to support Essex Wildlife Trust’s project to transform a South Essex coastal habitat. The work that has taken place at Blue House Farm is vital for the natural environment, creating a productive area for breeding birds, as well as improving soil health and carbon storage that help deliver climate change resilience. Through our Partnership Grants Scheme, we are able to make significant grants to projects that introduce, conserve or protect our wildlife, paving the way for nature’s recovery on a large scale.”

This project was funded by Biffa Award as part of the Landfill Communities Fund with support from Branch Out, Gifts in Wills from Mollie Drake MBE, Clive Fenner and Valerie Thomas, and thanks to the generous donations in memory of Jack Wratten, Ken Taylor and John Bugg.