BIRDWATCHING sites across the county have been closed to wildlife enthusiasts as a result of the country being put on lockdown.

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, a national conservation charity, runs ten nature reserves across Essex.

These include Stour Estuary, in Wrabness, Cattawade Marshes, in Manningtree, Old Hall Marshes, in Maldon, Vange Marsh, in Basildon, and Canvey Wick, in Canvey Island.

The organisation had planned to keep some of its treasured wildlife sites open, so the public could still enjoy the outdoors while social-distancing.

But now the coronavirus pandemic has worsened, and following the government's advice to stay inside, bosses have decided to shut down all of the charity's reserves.

A spokesman for the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds said it was a decision which wasn’t taken lightly.

"We are closing our reserves to visitors until further notice,” they said.

“This means we will close car parks, toilets, and playgrounds to the public. These measures are on top of the existing closure of our visitor centres, cafes and shops.

"It is with great sadness that we ask people to refrain from visiting.”

Despite the country being in isolation, The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds is now looking at ways it can maintain a connection between the public and nature.

"Our efforts will now move to helping the millions of people spending time at home,” said a spokesman.

“We are determined to do our bit to try and help connect people with the amazing wildlife to be seen in gardens or from balconies or windows and offer some hope and joy in these difficult times.

“Over the coming days and weeks, we will also be helping people to share their wildlife encounters and provide ideas for things they can do for wildlife close to home.”

To find out more visit rspb.org.uk.