THE Maldon Society will be hosting representatives from the Essex Wildlife Trust this week.

The society holds its talks in the Cygnet Room behind The Swan Hotel on Maldon High Street on the first Thursday of every month.

The meetings start with Judy Lea giving details of the month’s planning applications and asking for the audience’s opinion by a show of hands.

On Thursday October 4 the guest speaker will be David Smart from the Essex Wildlife Trust, talking about the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation. His talk will include some of the history of the stretch of water and the surrounding countryside.

The navigation is home to many species of wildlife as well as being a popular area for anglers, walkers, birdwatchers, artists and families to enjoy a leisurely stroll past the cricket bat willows which are growing along the banks as well as the boating community.

The waterway itself hasn’t changed in 200 years.

From Chelmsford (Springfield Basin) to Beeleigh, the navigation follows the tranquil route of the River Chelmer passing through some of the most attractive countryside in Essex.

The Maldon Society’s final evening talk before the Christmas break is on Thursday November 1. Michael Head, postcard historian, will be the speaker with his talk entitled “A long lost family and Churchill’s secret army”.

Doors open this evening at 7.15pm.

Visit www.maldonsoc.org.