Conservation Matters: May

Conservation Matters: May

Lianne de Mello

A new woodland for Essex Wildlife Trust, royal orchids and more marine updates. Find out what's been happening this month.

Celebrating Fir Tree Wood

We couldn't kick off this month's conservation update without mentioning Fir Tree Wood. Since January, you have been helping us raise £200,000 to secure this woodland. This month, we're pleased to say that we've reached our target. Protecting woodland like this is a big step towards nature recovery in Essex. A huge and heartfelt thank you to every single person that has helped us with this appeal, whether that’s through donating, helping to spread the word or by organising a fundraising event, we simply couldn’t have done it without you! 

Essex's royal orchids

This month, we had the exciting opportunity to join Kew Gardens and other international orchid experts at Chelsea Flower Show. Through our involvement, Essex was highlighted as an important county for wildflowers, and we showcased our conservation projects to restore wildflower meadows. King Charles and Queen Camilla were seen admiring wild orchids from Langdon Nature Discovery Park. Our wild orchids are now safely back home after their royal visit.

Parke Wright talking to King Charles at Chelsea Flower Show

King Charles with John Parke Wright IV (founder and chairman of Orchid Conservation Chelsea). 

Seagrass restoration continues

It’s great to think that the work we are doing now could result in flourishing seagrass meadows in Essex in years to come. This month, our marine team were joined by Project Seagrass, Natural England and the Environment Agency to transplant 110 seagrass cores. If you'd like to learn more, keep your eyes peeled for a World Ocean's Day special (June 8) where Alex, our Marine and Coastal Engagement Officer will be talking to our partners about superhero seagrass and more about this project. 

© Paul Naylor

© Paul Naylor

New research into plastic pollution

Following the success of our campaign, Spring Pickers, earlier this year, the Trust is furthering the work we do with plastic pollution. This year, the Essex Pollution Project will record more about the plastic we collect from our beaches. Currently, we’re hosting regular beach cleans at The Naze. Last week, attendees collected 10.6kg of plastic and three bags of litter. Join us on the 16 June for the next one.

Join a beach clean

5 people picking up litter along The Naze coastline

Give wildlife a helping hand

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

Donate