Across Essex, local organisations are finding different ways to protect the environment, care for their surroundings and create more sustainable communities. From conserving natural habitats and planting trees to developing community growing spaces, their work is helping to make a difference in local areas.
We’re taking a closer look at three organisations working to create greener spaces, connect people with nature and care for the environment.
Daws Hall Nature Reserve: Protecting Nature and Connecting People with the Countryside
As Daws Hall Nature Reserve approaches its 42nd year, it is celebrating the progress made in protecting its natural surroundings and bringing people closer to the countryside.
Through the creation and improvement of a mosaic of habitats, thousands of species have been recorded on this protected landscape. Daws Hall Nature Reserve combines practical conservation work with an extensive education programme, which has now welcomed more than 120,000 young people and thousands of adults.
These opportunities to learn about and experience the natural world help spark a lifelong connection to the countryside.
ECF has also supported Daws Hall Nature Reserve’s work, including helping to reconstruct platforms providing access to the River Stour, used by the general public and children on school trips. We have also contributed towards its environmental education programme, providing school-age children from across Essex with practical and engaging lessons on conservation, alongside supporting career development projects for young people at the reserve.
Reflecting on the work, General Manager Will Dover said:
“We continue to find sustained and renewed interest in our work, giving us inspiration for future growth.”
The Tree Action Society of Clare: Planting for the Future
The Tree Action Society of Clare (TASC) was established in 2017 following the unnecessary felling of local trees. Since then, the group has been working to increase tree canopy cover in Clare and the surrounding area, strengthen the local landscape, create green corridors and improve biodiversity.
A key part of its work is a tree propagation nursery, where locally sourced nuts, seeds and fruit are grown until they are ready to be planted in community projects, including schools and public places. The group is also particularly keen to re-establish the rare and native black poplar in the area.
With support from ECF, TASC has been developing its nursery, including work on fencing and water collection facilities. The group has also planted 11 cherry trees along Cavendish Road as people enter Clare, bringing the promise of a display of white blossom each spring.
Dr Paul Davis from TASC explained:
“TASC (The Tree Action Society of Clare) was set up in 2017 to increase tree canopy cover in Clare and the surrounding area, to enhance and strengthen our local landscape, create green corridors and improve biodiversity.”
Abberton Rural Training: Growing Together in Harwich
At Abberton Rural Training’s Harwich site, participants and volunteers have been working together to transform an outdoor space into a welcoming place to grow flowers and herbs, learn and spend time together.
The group has built raised beds and makes use of donated and recycled materials to develop the space. Manure is sourced from a local farmer, while tyres from a local supplier are given a new lease of life as planters. These practical approaches to reusing resources have helped turn what was once a blank canvas into a growing space filled with plants, herbs, raised beds and seating areas.
The space has become more than just a place to grow. It provides a social area for participants who may not have family and friends nearby, as well as a quiet outdoor space for those who want to relax and enjoy their surroundings.
The project has been supported by ECF, with funding contributing towards the cost of horticulture training and mental health and wellbeing support for vulnerable and isolated people living in Harwich.
Elaine Tyrer, Finance Manager at Abberton Rural Training, said:
“We have achieved a lot at the Harwich site, we have a steady and committed group of volunteers and participants, growing flowers and herbs.”
Participants, volunteers and their tutor continue to come up with ideas to develop and transform the space.
Supporting a Sustainable Future
Thank you to all of the organisations working to protect the environment and create more sustainable communities across Essex. Your dedication and hard work help care for our local landscapes, bring people closer to nature and create a greener future. We are proud to continue supporting you.
Want to focus your giving on creating a greener, more sustainable Essex?
If you are interested in establishing a charitable fund to support environmental projects, sustainable communities, or other causes that matter to you across Essex, we would love to hear from you.
Contact: Perry Norton, Head of Development, on 01245 355947 or at perry@essexcf.org.uk.
Find out more: visit our ‘Setting Up A Charitable Fund’ page.
Apply for Support:
Supporting environmental projects is just one of the many ways Essex Community Foundation invests in local communities.
We provide funding for a wide range of causes across Essex, to learn more about the support available or to apply for funding, visit our Apply for Support page.