AN event will be taking place in Grays next month to celebrate the efforts of local community groups to support nature projects.

Essex Wildlife Trust will be hosting its 'Connect Share Celebrate Festival' at Grays Town park on Thursday, 13 July.

Since July 2022, the Nextdoor Nature programme has been reaching out to communities across Thurrock to help and support nature projects and groups.

Now it is celebrating the outcomes.

Five groups from across Thurrock have been taking action for wildlife in their local area. Come along to find out more from Aveley's Hidden Gem, Friends of Chadwell St Mary Heath Field, Friends of Grays Town Park, and more –

The event at Grays Town Park, which is subject to the weather conditions, will include stalls and displays from:

• BirdAware Essex – find out how to support endangered and rare birds
• The Alzheimer's Society (also representing Thurrock's Dementia Friendly Community Group)
• Kidsinspire – how does working in nature support young people?
• Friend of Grays Town Park
• Thurrock Play Network – sustainable arts and crafts
• Thurrock Resident Engagement Team– find out how you can get involved with more groups where you live
• K&B Design – uplifting nature murals
• Grays Beach Riverside Park Meadow Project
• Flowers Estate Residents Group
• Aveley's Hidden Gem
• Friends of Chadwell St Mary Heath Field

 PLUS

•  FREE Nature meditation sessions from Forest Cloud Nature Therapy at 6.15pm and 7.15pm. Just turn up and enjoy!
• The musical stylings of Grays Town Band
• Food from Grays Town Park Café and Piperoni Pizza.

Whether you're looking to start your own nature group, are part of an established group taking action for nature, or just interested to find out what's happening in Thurrock this could be just the event for you!

It's free to attend and all are welcome!