COASTAL erosion has always been a concern for those of us who care about the Naze and the recent storm surge which featured on national media reminded us how vulnerable we are on the East Coast.

Local farmer David Eagle reported the surge combined with a high tide on January 17 meant the high tide was less than a metre below the 2013 level when the last big surge warning was issued.

The low pressure, high tide and wind action were a similar combination to that which produced the devastating floods of 1953.

More wind and lower pressure and we would have been in trouble.

However, local naturalist Gerald Raynor has noticed that there has been a loss of about 15 metres of beach north of the Tamarisk Wall.

The Essex Wildlife Trust’s Tendring group is holding its annual general meeting at the Naze Centre on February 16 at 7.30pm.

This will be followed by a report from local reserve wardens plus a presentation by the Tendring Wildflower Group.

The Naze Centre will also give an overview of the centre’s first nine months.

The local Badger Group visited the Naze Centre recently and provided a great deal of information about its work in helping to protect one of the UK’s favourite animals.

The aim of the North East Essex Badger Group is to promote the well-being of all badgers in this part of the county and protect them from persecution or criminal acts.

It does this by regularly monitoring all known badger setts in the area, and upholding the legislation of the Protection of Badgers Act 1992.

Birds spotted recently at the Naze include Brent geese, with about 1,000 being heard and seen roosting in Hamford Water.

A merlin continues to terrorise the waders around Stone Point. Chiffchaff are overwintering in the hedge by the sewage works at the Naze.

On calm sunny mornings woodpeckers have been heard drumming and even a few bumblebees have been tempted out.

Local expert Liz Huxley runs a programme of guided birdwatching walks round the Naze. For details visit lizhuxley.co.uk.

  • Forthcoming events at the Naze Centre include Fossils Galore on February 12 from 10am to 4pm (£3 donation).

And wildlife campaigner Tony Haggis is speaking on February 25 about the Walton Backwaters, at 2pm (£3 donation).

For more details call 01255 679379 or visit naze@essexwt.org.uk.