April 1970 saw the first AGM and a membership of around
100. During that year we assisted in establishing a small
wildlife sanctuary at Heath Place Farm which won second
prize in a competition for farm conservation projects in
Essex. Our first nature exhibition was held in the old
Fire Station in Grays. 2000 people passed through the 3 day
exhibition, 1500 of whom were schoolchildren from schools
all over Thurrock.
The first of our film shows took place in December 1977 and
the programme then included film of the Torrey Canyon
disaster.
As we passed through 1972 we acquired our first mammal traps,
and a rook-population census was undertaken. Talks were
held with the Essex Naturalists' Trust and as a result we
received the first permits to warden Grays Chalk Quarry.
At the same time a campaign was launched for preserving
as a nature reserve the Stanford Warren and Mucking reed
beds.
Throughout the 70s the Society has gone from strength to
strength and has progressed to the well managed organisation
we have today. The membership which currently stands at
approximately 350 is offered through the regular bulletin
such activities as field trips, both within and outside
of Thurrock, illustrated lectures during the winter months,
an annual film show and opportunities to meet others of
similar interests.