An environmental group is hoping to raise more than £57,000 in just three weeks to buy a tract of land for a nature reserve.
Essex Wildlife Trust (EWT) already owns a 52-acre reserve at Wrabness along the southern bank of the Stour Estuary, which is an ecologically important site for wildlife.
The trust also manages the Oakfield Wood green burial ground further along the coast, which is also due to become a reserve.
However EWT now has the opportunity to purchase 4.2 acres of grazing marshland which will link together the two sites.
It describes the land acquisition as “strategically important for wildlife” as it would enable animals to move safely between the two areas of open green space.
The Stour Estuary is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and of international importance (RAMSAR) due to its importance to wetland and wading birds in Jacques Bay. It provides a habitat for numerous bird species, including Turtle Doves, Yellowhammer, Song Thrush, Short-eared Owl and Barn Owl, as well as others which visit the estuary over winter.
The abundance of wildflowers also supports a host of butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies.
At the burial ground, for each interment a native broad-leaved tree is planted. When the burial ground is completed, it will be managed as an Essex Wildlife Trust nature reserve.
Andrew Impey, chief executive officer of EWT, said: “This is an incredibly exciting opportunity to establish a wildlife corridor that will connect these two areas and allow the safe movement of many different species.
“With just three weeks left to secure this land we urgently need your help now and are asking for members of the public to donate what they can to support this vital acquisition.”
The trust needs to raise £57,500 – which it is equating to 2,300 people donating just £25 each – to buy the “crucial” area of land.
A trust statement added: “As the public’s local conservation charity, EWT has to respond to opportunities to take on the best areas for wildlife as they arise and this is one of those opportunities.
“Please help this acquisition come to fruition.”
To help the appeal, email admin@essexwt.org.uk or donate online at the EWT JustGiving page.
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