Last year, the Trust completed a 40-hectare wetland creation project at Blue House Farm nature reserve thanks to funding from Biffa Award. Since then, wildlife has been enjoying this muddy, marshy grassland and settled into their new home. Sightings from informal volunteer counts have shown over 40 avocet pairs, over 20 lapwing pairs and possibly, the highest number of redshank that the site has seen - just in the project area alone. 

This is a great site for a wildlife walk or coastal stroll, and you can enjoy sightings of our lovely lambs that have joined the grazing team. Please keep dogs on leads if you are visiting! 

Volunteers and the conservation team at Fingringhoe Wick Nature Discovery Park have been busy building a path around the bottom of the secret orchid meadow where early purple orchids bloom. This is now open for public access. The new area is located just off the path in East Heath towards Kit's Pond - you can ask for directions in the Nature Discovery Centre.

While you're here, don't forget to stop and listen to the nightingales. This nature reserve is a stronghold for the rare songbirds across the UK and will be singing loudly until they find a female to pair up with. 

Read more about Fingringhoe's nightingales

Have you ever seen a spoonbill? As Abberton Reservoir is a protected water reserve, wildlife flourishes here - especially birds. Spoonbills have been seen at Abberton again this year as these photos show. We are hoping we see signs of breeding soon. In the summer, mature birds have a rather fetching, shaggy crest at the back of their head as you can see from this photo.  Visit our Nature Discovery Park and chat to our team if you'd like help locating them. 

You can help us protect and restore wildlife and wild places in Essex. Your donation helps make projects like these possible. 

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