As a public authority the Town Council has a duty under the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 to in exercising its functions have regard so far as it is consistent with the proper exercise of those functions for the purpose of conserving biodiversity.

South Woodham Ferrers supports a diverse number of open spaces, plants, and animals in a range of habitats. These include SSI sites such as South Woodham Ferrers Fenn. The Town Council is however only responsible for a small section of coastal pathway.

Weatherwise Gardens  

During 2023, we are re-issuing our new Environmental Policy for the Town Council.

In the past we have produced our Tool Kit and also looked at how we can minimise our impact, while still delivering much needed services. 

When we think of the environment, we think of green spaces, open fields, trees and rivers. But we must remember the streets and town centre. Keeping things tidy and not polluting our area. Making sure we recycle and take items to our local ECC recycling centre for disposal. 

Take a look at our Action Plan section to see what steps we are taking. 

Updated 02/2026

Painting is due to start on the Bandstand, ahead of the installation of new railings. (Events Community and Leisure Committee)

During March, the Town Council will be taking part in The Great British Spring Clean Event, with litter picks for both schools and adults. If you would like to take part, please get in touch (Planning and Leisure Committee). 

A new litter bin is to be installed at the entrance of the Jonh Cox Field (reycling centre end) to replace the existing loose bin. (Planning and Leisure Committee)

During 2026, the Town Council has continued its programme of improvements at the John Cox Recreation Ground, supporting the aims of the Local Nature Recovery Plans for Essex. As part of this work, we successfully applied for a donation of 420 young trees from the Woodland Trust.

We are extremely grateful to Meadowcroft Garden Centre, who kindly stored the trees for us until planting could begin. Following the completion of a planting plan, Councillors, volunteers from Essex County Council, and local residents came together in early April to plant all 420 trees.

Although we experienced some early challenges due to strong winds and some interference, these were quickly resolved and very few, if any, trees were lost. The new planting is now establishing well and will form an important part of the site’s long‑term ecological value.

A BIG thank you to everyone involved — our volunteers, councillors, and supportive local businesses. Please see below for some of the photos. 

The Town Council is not responsible for bins or supplying replacement items. The current Tuesday 'B" schedule 

Replacement Paper and Card Sacks, recyling crates and bins can be ordered from Chelmsford City Council via their website or by calling 01245 800. Plastic bags for recyling are sent out once a year and if you run out, you can use clear or white binbags. You can also contact them if your collection is missed.  The Town council no longer hold supplies of these items and will only direct you to Chelmsford City Council. The City Council can also deal with overflowing bins or dog bins. 

The Town Council are pleased to be able to support a local school littler pick, and want to thank all those who took part. The litter pick took was organised by Trinity St Mary s School and invited the Environment Officer, Rotary Club and 'RotaKids'. Well done to all the children who took part and collected a number of bags of rubbish, a credit to the town for helping to keep it tidy, and to the school teachers and teaching assistants who helped make every thing happen.

We also organise litter picks for adult volunteers and if you would like to help, please get in touch! 

In September 2023, we carried out a clear up of the Fen alongside Chelmsford City Council and local residents