We are delighted that due to our members and supporters we have reached our target for the Wrabness Land Purchase Appeal. Thank you so much for all the support that we received, the support and encouragement we were given was inspiring! We have just completed on purchasing the land and this is a fantastic addition for Essex Wildlife Trust and most importantly, our Essex Wildlife. 

In 2006 Wrabness nature reserve was transferred to Essex Wildlife Trust from the Wrabness Nature Reserve Charitable Trust. The nature reserve has a fascinating history as a site of numerous planning applications before it was bought by the Charitable Trust in 1992. This wonderful area of land is now safe in perpetuity with Essex Wildlife Trust.   

Oakfield Wood is the 7-acre green burial ground overlooking the Stour Estuary.  For each burial a native broadleaved tree is planted. When the burial ground is completed it will be managed as an Essex Wildlife Trust nature reserve. What could be more fitting than to now expand Wrabness nature reserve, purchase some important grazing marsh and connect it to the green burial site which is to become an Essex Wildlife Trust nature reserve?   

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.

The nature reserve is primarily open grassland, with ponds, a freshwater marsh, scrub and woodland fringe. The reserve is excellent habitat for a number of birds including Yellowhammer, Whitethroat, Turtle Dove,  Song Thrush, Nightingale, Cuckoo, Bullfinch and Barn Owl. In autumn and winter Short-eared Owls regularly hunt over the coarse grassland. There are good numbers of wildflowers with a host of butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies.