Back in November 2023, Essex Wildlife Trust asked for the public’s help to secure a woodland in Little Baddow. Over the months that followed, and with every donation that was received, you reminded us that we are never alone in our mission to support wildlife in this county.

'Ensuring that wildlife has protected space is essential for nature’s recovery.'

Did you know, Fir Tree Wood is our neighbour? This woodland was already playing an essential role for the Trust’s nature reserves, providing a buffer between the ancient habitats of Danbury Ridge, and the nearby urban areas of Chelmsford and Maldon. Now, under the careful management of Essex Wildlife Trust, Fir Tree Wood has officially become an extension of the 100 hectares of protected land we manage.

Fly agaric mushroomFly agaric mushroom (Image: Essex Wildlife Trust) This land appeal is the Trust’s biggest campaign to date, and the first land appeal in over five years. A huge and heartfelt thank you to every single person who helped us reach our £200,000 target, whether through donating, spreading the word or organising a fundraising event: we simply couldn’t have done it without you. We are also very grateful to Chelmsford City Council for a grant of just under £10,000, which helped propel us to our target within six months.

With Essex being one of the most over-developed counties in the UK, ensuring that wildlife has protected space is essential for nature’s recovery. Acquiring land that we can protect is a huge step towards our goal of protecting 30 per cent of land and sea by 2030. Across this nature network, heathlands, grassland meadows, hedgerows, peatland bogs, streams, and woodland support an array of wildlife species. These include rare barbastelle bats, hazel dormice, tawny owls, badgers and lesser spotted woodpeckers.

Hazel Dormouse Hazel Dormouse (Image: Ian Pratt) This new nature reserve is as much for people as it is for wildlife, as we know how nature enriches people’s lives. We believe that everyone should be able to access green spaces locally, not just so that they can feel the physical and mental health benefits, but to feel inspired and continue protecting these important places. The local community has been at the heart of this fundraising appeal from day one, as the Trust has worked in close partnership with Little Baddow Residents’ Group, who helped to promote the campaign, and Little Baddow Parish Council, who raised the £200,000 for the other half of this woodland.

If you haven’t headed to the Danbury Ridge nature reserves to explore the labyrinth of walking trails that are available, we would highly recommend. Autumn transforms the once-green canopies to burnt orange, golden yellow and rusty red leaves. This is a great season to visit and tune in to wildlife, who are given away by the crunching and rustling of the fallen leaves below. While you’re wandering, you can venture over to the new nature reserve that you helped to secure.

If you need a helping hand in navigating this area, you can visit our website for an easy-to-follow trail guide and a map of the connected nature reserves: essexwt.org.uk/nature-reserves/danbury-ridge