Every August, Essex Wildlife Trust celebrates Marine Month, a chance for people to celebrate Essex’s wonderful 350 mile long coastline and learn about the wildlife that calls it home.

As all charities have been heavily impacted by the cancellation of fundraising events and activities, the Trust, responsible for protecting 87 nature reserves throughout Essex and engaging 70,000 children a year in the wonders of nature, launched the Essex Coastal Challenge.

The challenge is based on the number 350, to match the length of the coastline. Participants can set their own goal – based on 3.5 miles, 35 miles or the full 350 and can take part at home, in their local green space or on the coast itself. Through setting up fundraising pages for the challenge, the Trust aims to raise £17,500, with all money raised going to support the local conservation charity in its mission to protect wildlife and inspire a lifelong love of nature in Essex.

Alice Hardaker of Essex Wildlife Trust, says “It’s been fantastic to see the creativity coming out of our first Essex Coastal Challenge – people are running, swimming, kayaking, collecting coastal litter and more. Challenge participants have been incredibly generous and all funds raised will continue to protect Essex’s wildlife and wild places for the future.”

The challenge is open for individuals or you can team up with your family, work, friends or a sports club. All participants who raise over £100 will receive a beautiful Essex Coastal Challenge medal to recognise their achievement.

Essex Wildlife Trust wants to ensure participants are still learning all about the Essex coast and the wildlife within throughout the month.

Alice Hardaker continues, “When you sign up, Essex Wildlife Trust will bring the coast to you. Throughout the challenge, we will be taking you on a virtual journey of Essex’s stunning coastline, discovering all of the hidden wonders within. You will explore coastal towns and Essex’s natural habitats, pass unique landmarks and pause to appreciate key species, pass through the Trust’s coastal nature reserves and Nature Discovery Centres and learn about the Trust’s conservation work and projects all along the coast.”

Individuals can sign up throughout August by joining at www.essexwt.org.uk/essex-coastal-challenge