Improving the Environmental Value of our Non- Operational Land in West Thurrock
We own 4.8 hectares of non- operational land in West Thurrock, Essex, which includes heathland, grassland, and reedbeds. This site supports various bird species, such as snipe and reed warblers, as well as plants like sea club- rush and sea aster. It is also one of only two locations in the UK where the distinguished jumping spider is found.
In FY25, we partnered with the Essex Wildlife Trust (EWT) to enhance the habitat and improve the land's environmental value.
Essex Wildlife Trust conducted an ecological survey of the site and identified several habitat improvement opportunities, including managing invasive species, installing bird and bat boxes, and protecting existing habitats by removing scrub from the reedbed. These initiatives are part of a 10- year partnership agreement, which also includes guided walks and expert led habitat management sessions for the local community.
Including this piece of land under EWT management will provide significant benefits to biodiversity and to the local community. The addition not only increases the extent of area managed for wildlife but it fills in a gap and provides the ecological connectivity needed for rare and specialist species such as the distinguished jumping spider to thrive
- Kim Wallis, Head of Nature Reserves and Natural Capital, Essex Wildlife Trust
