The Conservation Volunteers Essex

The Conservation Volunteers Essex Conservation volunteering charity delivering better nature for all. Volunteering across Essex.

Are they a true faithful? 👀The UK’s only venomous snake the Adder (Vipera berus) gets some bad press. Often seen as a ‘t...
27/10/2025

Are they a true faithful? 👀

The UK’s only venomous snake the Adder (Vipera berus) gets some bad press. Often seen as a ‘traitor’ they are typically shy, misunderstood reptiles that if treated with respect, do not pose a threat to humans. A true faithful!

✨Some Adder facts✨

🐍Adders can be distinguished by their unique zig-zag pattern on their backs. They are small to medium-sized snakes, with length typically ranging from 50 to 70 cm.
🐍 Their venom is not deadly enough to cause serious harm to a healthy adult. It is still recommended to seek medical advice if bitten.
🐍Adders are commonly found in woodland habitats, particularly in areas with a mix of open spaces and dense cover. They often prefer ample underbrush and leaf litter to hide and hunt.
🐍Adders primarily feed on small mammals such as voles, mice, and shrews. They use their venom to paralyse their small prey.

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22/09/2025

🩶 Silver award winners!🩶
Together with NatWest, we won the 'Best Environmental or Sustainable Programme' at the Corporate Engagement Awards 2025 for our Tree Nursery partnership project at NatWest's head office.

Our project is designed to improve the sustainability of native British tree populations while educating volunteers in seed collection and tree propagation. Not only is it a net boon for the
environment, but NatWest employees are also engaged through tree-planting projects, thereby building a stronger corporate culture. One judge called this “a great example of how to engage staff in CSR projects.”

Communicate magazine

22/09/2025

Halloween Arts & Crafts at Davy Down – Saturday 18th October

We’re bringing spooky, nature-inspired fun to Davy Down this October! Join us on Saturday 18th October for a free, drop-in day of Halloween arts and crafts, running from 11:00am to 4:00pm at Davy Down Visitor Centre.

This is a perfect way for children and families to get into the Halloween spirit while enjoying the outdoors and learning a little about nature. All activities are free, all materials are provided, and you can take your creations home with you!

Here’s what you can make:

Pinecone & Chestnut Spiders – creepy crawly spiders with legs, eyes and fangs

Painted Rock Monsters – collect, paint and decorate your own monster rocks or Halloween characters

Pinecone Bats – craft your own bat complete with wings, ears and fangs

Leaf Ghosts – transform autumn leaves into haunting little ghosts

This is a drop-in event, so you can come along at any time between 11 and 4 and stay as long as you like.

Important information:

Free event – one ticket per child. Adults don’t need tickets but must stay with their children.

Children must be supervised when using tools or craft materials.

Accessible toilets and free parking available on site.

Book your child’s ticket here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/fangtastic-crafts-tickets-1692605110449?aff=oddtdtcreator

We can’t wait to see you there for some spooky, crafty fun in nature!

🪴Introduction to Hedgelaying Course 🪴⏰19th, 25th and 26th September 10am-4pm📍Beaulieu Chelmsford, CM1 6DGSpaces Limited!...
10/09/2025

🪴Introduction to Hedgelaying Course 🪴

⏰19th, 25th and 26th September 10am-4pm
📍Beaulieu Chelmsford, CM1 6DG

Spaces Limited!

Email Emma to register a space: [email protected]

🐭Harvest Mouse Course 🐭⏰October 3rd 10-3.30pm 📍Davy Down Riverside ParkStep into the world of one of Britain’s most elus...
10/09/2025

🐭Harvest Mouse Course 🐭

⏰October 3rd 10-3.30pm
📍Davy Down Riverside Park

Step into the world of one of Britain’s most elusive and endearing mammals – the harvest mouse (Micromys minutus). This full-day course offers a unique blend of ecology, field skills, and conservation insight, giving you the tools to better understand and protect this tiny species.

Whether you are a conservation professional, ecology student, or simply a nature enthusiast, you will leave with a deeper appreciation for the harvest mouse’s life and the role you can play in safeguarding its future.

What You’ll Learn:

Ecology of the Harvest Mouse – Discover its unique adaptations, habitat preferences, and seasonal behaviour.
Surveying Techniques – Learn how to locate, identify, and record nests and signs in the field.
Conservation Management – Understand the threats facing harvest mice and explore habitat management strategies that support their survival.
Why Attend:

Gain hands-on field experience in survey techniques.
Learn from experienced conservationists and ecologists.
Be part of the effort to protect one of the UK’s smallest and most secretive mammals.
Network with like-minded individuals passionate about wildlife.

Sign up required follow this link to get your tickets: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/harvest-mouse-ecology-surveying-course-tickets-1664247542199?aff=oddtdtcreator

or scan the QR code below!

Come and join us tomorrow in Danbury!
02/09/2025

Come and join us tomorrow in Danbury!

🌿 Volunteers Needed! 🌿

Join us at Eves Corner Pond, Danbury on Wednesday, 3rd September for a community clean-up and nature care morning!

🕥 Meeting Time: 10:30 AM
📍 Location: Eves Corner Pond, Danbury
🧤 What to Bring: Pack Lunch (although local cafes are nearby), boots if you have them, and plenty of enthusiasm!
☕ Light refreshments will be provided.

Whether you're passionate about nature, want to make a difference locally, or just enjoy the outdoors — we’d love your help!

Let’s come together to keep our beautiful pond and green space thriving.
Comment below or message us if you're interested!

🌿 Volunteers Needed! 🌿Join us at Eves Corner Pond, Danbury on Wednesday, 3rd September for a community clean-up and natu...
20/08/2025

🌿 Volunteers Needed! 🌿

Join us at Eves Corner Pond, Danbury on Wednesday, 3rd September for a community clean-up and nature care morning!

🕥 Meeting Time: 10:30 AM
📍 Location: Eves Corner Pond, Danbury
🧤 What to Bring: Pack Lunch (although local cafes are nearby), boots if you have them, and plenty of enthusiasm!
☕ Light refreshments will be provided.

Whether you're passionate about nature, want to make a difference locally, or just enjoy the outdoors — we’d love your help!

Let’s come together to keep our beautiful pond and green space thriving.
Comment below or message us if you're interested!

Join us  Square on Friday to Grow and Sow your own herbs for FREE!11am-3pmFree to take home with care guide and recipe i...
06/08/2025

Join us Square on Friday to Grow and Sow your own herbs for FREE!

11am-3pm

Free to take home with care guide and recipe ideas included!

Learn how to build outdoor steps at Davy Down Riverside Park on 1st August 2025!
24/07/2025

Learn how to build outdoor steps at Davy Down Riverside Park on 1st August 2025!

Address

Old Cemetery Office, Mersea Road
Colchester

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Sunday 9am - 5pm

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