A fundamental part of conservation is ecological monitoring. Put simply, this means conducting regular surveys at our nature reserves to see if our management methods are working for wildlife.
What are we monitoring?
Our monitoring programme is extensive. We record individual species, habitat conditions and general populations alongside looking at broader environmental pressures such as habitat loss and climate change.
![Graphic showing the different types of surveys the Trust undertakes listed side by side with an animal or plant icon underneath](/sites/default/files/styles/full_width_scaled_default/public/2024-08/graphic%20test%20for%20website%20%281%29.jpg?itok=ewahrl6O)
How we are using data
Since 2021, we have been collecting baseline data to help inform our work. Our surveys inform national and regional research, alongside providing insight to our current conservation projects in Essex. Thanks to the work of the Conservation Evidence Team, we can record new species, changing trends, monitor projects, identify concerns for nature and see where the gaps are in our data.
Help record wildlife in Essex
You can help us record wildlife data by becoming a citizen scientist. Take part in a campaign and record your sightings of toads, butterflies and wildflowers in Essex by clicking on the links below. Seen something else? Add any other wildlife records to our general database, Nature Counts.