Mace partners with Essex Wildlife Trust to boost biodiversity in the East of England

Mace, the global consultancy and construction company, has partnered with the UK’s largest conservation charity, Essex Wildlife Trust, to boost biodiversity in Essex’s Fobbing Marshes, a site which is currently not operating at its full biodiversity potential. 

The partnership will enhance approximately 61 hectares of habitat within the 76-hectare large Thameside reserve.

The restoration work at the Thameside grazing marsh will include the creation of around 2,000m of ‘shallow foot drains’ which will hold water on the surface to improve the wet grassland site for breeding waders – especially Lapwing - and other wetland birds and invertebrates. 

It is hoped that the project will establish an important habitat link to the wider network of breeding bird habitats and will help to build resilience against the changing UK climate. 

The work is expected to begin in September 2023.

Mace is targeting 500 hectares of biodiversity gain by 2026 as part of its 2026 Business Strategy which details a strategic priority ‘to pursue a sustainable world’. 

Essex Wildlife Trust manages 87 reserves across Essex and aims to have 30% of the region’s land and sea connected and protected for wildlife by 2030. 

Mark Holmes, Deputy Chairman at Mace, said: 

“We are thrilled to announce this new partnership with Essex Wildlife Trust which builds strongly on our commitment as a business to continue to invest in nature’s recovery.

“The important restoration work we will be undertaking in Fobbing Marshes is taking us another step towards our ambition to boost biodiversity across the UK.’’

Andrew Davidson, Commercial Director at Essex Wildlife Trust, said: 

“We are delighted to announce our partnership with Mace and we hope that is will be the first step in many years of collaboration for nature.”

Mark Iley, Head of Landscape and Rivers Recovery at Essex Wildlife Trust, said: 

“Fobbing Marsh is a real gem and it’s so exciting to undertake restoration work on a wet grassland site to benefit wintering and breeding waders. These birds are struggling to find the habitats they need in the South East of England and every piece of habitat is important.” 

This partnership comes after Mace recently announced a similar collaboration with Lancashire Wildlife Trust which will see the restoration of 157 hectares of historic lowland mosslands.