ESSEX Wildlife Trust has decided to keep several sites closed due to issues including vandalism and anti-social behaviour – while its nature reserves in the Maldon district have been successfully reopened.

In a statement, the trust said: "We want to say a big thanks to you, our responsible visitors, for enjoying our sites - we know you care about them just as much as us. It's because of you that we have been able to keep the majority of our nature reserves open so you can enjoy them throughout this challenging time.

"However, several sites remain closed due to anti-social behaviour, necessary redeployment of staff and resources elsewhere, site safety concerns and the need to protect wildlife after several months of reduced disturbance."

Sites around the county that remain closed are Abberton Reservoir, near Layer-de-la-Haye, Abbotts Hall Farm, Colchester, Colne Point, in Tendring, Fingringhoe Wick, near Fingringhoe and Weeleyhall Wood, near Clacton.

Essex Wildlife Trust staff abused during the pandemic

The trust added: "This has been an incredibly challenging time for charities. At Essex Wildlife Trust, we had to close all of our centres, cancel all upcoming events, furlough many of our staff until the end of July and redirect resources across the organisation.

"During this time we have also been managing the additional strain of anti-social behaviour – including littering, toileting and vandalism, burglary and theft, fires started from portable barbeques, and disturbance of ground-nesting bird eggs and rare plants that have been trampled by people and dogs.

"In some cases, abuse has been directed at staff."

The trust hopes to be able to reopen all its sites in Essex, but points to the importance of protecting wildlife and habitats, as well as its workforce, volunteers and the general public.