A WILDLIFE club which has served south Essex nature enthusiasts for more than 50 years will fold, a leading member has announced.

Stephen Ireland, 55, vice-chairman of the Thurrock Wildlife Society, explained the club, which had 350 members in its heyday, has come to an end.

He said the decision was due to he and wife Jill Ireland having other commitments, and with such a vast number of nature facilities in Essex, the club’s services are no longer needed.

Mr Ireland said: “It’s a shame the club has to go because we’ve had so many incredible times.

“The club was formed in 1969, and when I joined in 1981 there were hardly any nature facilities.

“But now we’ve got Wat Tyler Park, Rainham Marshes, the RSPB and the list goes on.

“It’s kind of time to move aside and let the big players do their thing.”

Over the years the society’s membership has dwindled to just 40, including non-active members, who receive literature through the door rather than attending events - typically consisting of walks, lectures, photo sharing and raising public awareness about wildlife.

The club has raised more than £2,500 over the years, which it will present to the Essex Field Club at a nature exhibition in December.

Mr Ireland, who lives together with wife and club chairman Jill in Love Lane, Aveley, added: “We’ve done so many amazing things.

“Once we went on a wild orchid trail in Kent and saw 12 orchids in one day.

“Typically, we would have a stall at the upcoming natural history exhibition at Wat Tyler Country Park.

“But we’ll be in attendance this year to present a cheque to the Essex Field Club which does some fantastic stuff.

The event, which will see various stalls, exhibitions and talks throughout the day, will take place on Saturday, December 3, from 11am at the Pitsea nature reserve.