In December we were pleased to donate £300 to support Essex Wildlife Trust's Wrabness Appeal to extend what is already a protected safe haven for the species that live there...
Our Managing Director, Steven Cubitt, has been a member of the Essex Wildlife Trust for around 55 years and as a teenager worked on the reserves creating freshwater marshland and felling encroaching woodland and scrub.
The Trust therefore holds a special place in Steven's heart, as he explains: 'They were chosen for the donation because Essex has the second largest coastline in the UK (behind Cornwall) and Essex has many opportunities for coastal realignment and returning enclosed coastal land to original habitat in the estuary, saltmarsh, 35 islands and coastline areas. I visit reserves at certain times of the year to see, for example, the nightingales arrive for breeding.
'We also plan to support reserve restoration with BNGs on projects that apply in the East of England. Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is a UK planning requirement, primarily in England, ensuring new developments leave the natural environment in a measurably better state. It typically requires at least a 10% increase in habitat value than before development, achieved through creating or enhancing habitats on-site, off-site or through statutory credits, to deliver more and better-quality natural spaces for wildlife and people. Mandated by the Environment Act 2021, it applies to most developments, aiming to halt biodiversity loss by integrating nature positively into development projects.'
Following our donation, Sharon Stenhouse, Essex Wildlife Trust's Philanthropy Assistant, commented:
'Your donation is taking us one step closer to protecting and extending one of Essex’s most treasured nature reserves. Thanks to your generosity, we are closer to securing this important stretch of land along the Stour Estuary – an area rich in biodiversity and brimming with wildlife. Your support means we can safeguard vital habitats for threatened species including the turtle dove, nightingale, brown hare and adder, as well as protecting this peaceful haven for local communities to enjoy and connect with nature. This project is about more than just land - it’s about legacy. Together, we are ensuring that future generations will be able to experience the joy of wild spaces, just as we do today.'
You can learn more about the work of the Essex Wildlife Trust here.