Used pumpkins left outside after Hallowe'en can be harmful to wildlife, particularly hedgehogs.

For small hedgehogs trying to gain weight before hibernation, the laxative effect of eating pumpkin could lead to serious dehydration, malnutrition and potentially death.

If not disposing of leftover pumpkins in your food waste/compost/regular bin, you can leave them up high (such as on a bird table or in a tree) where hedgehogs and other mammals for whom they are harmful cannot reach them — they can be a source of food for birds and squirrels.

https://preview.redd.it/bif68ezs0hyd1.png?width=400&format=png&auto=webp&s=7a36fd2dd36bfb436d17feb5fa5f94a3b0de3d1c

Hi i am trying to find out the name of a play centre i used to frequent as a child, i am pretty sure it was in lakeside and it used to be a soft play centre with an clip on harness obstacle course that went above the adults sitting in the cafe bit I would love to know the name of the place and if it is still in business so i could now take my child to Thank you

Moved to New Zealand South Island 10 years ago, and they bloody love us Essex’ers here. Just an FYI! What’s changed in Essex?

Was at RHS Hyde Hall this morning and noticed the "no dogs" signs have been removed from the front main gate.

Staff at the entrance desk told me assistance dogs are very welcome now and their definition of "assistance dog" is very loose, just "any dog that helps you a bit". They said the only proof needed is that you put a lead or jacket on the dog that indicates they're helpful to you. A cheapo lead or jacket from Amazon is fine.

I presume they still want all on dogs on leads at all times, but I forgot to ask.

Does anybody know at what point you will be stopped before reaching Foulness Island?

I was looking to cycle across some of the islands as a bit of exploration. But I don't really want to piss off the MOD..

The roads look empty and perfect for avoiding traffic for a nice stretch of out and back to the mainland.

Hello! I recently got an offer from University Essex and most likely I am going to accept the offer. I am married and have a child who will turn 5 months in Jan around where my studies starts. I have never been to UK let alone Essex area 😅. Where would be a good place for me to live that is safe for my wife and kiddo to go for walk and as well activities? Apologies if it’s a wrong subreddit. An American here trying to find a good option

Hi all, I’m just wondering if anyone knows of any ‘rabbit experiences’ or things that are similar.

I’m looking to surprise my gf (she absolutely loves them) but she can’t own them with her current living situation, any advice or suggestions would be much appreciated, either Chelmsford/Colchester area would be preferable but I don’t mind travelling a bit further.

Thanks 😁

Awight?

Now a few of you will know of my Wiccan friend, to a Wiccan Samhain is one of the most important days of the year, my Wiccan friend wouldn’t go out and indulge in trick or treating (he calls it tomfoolery), but instead my Wiccan friend will have a feast of pork and apples, lamb and mint and other herbs, and my Wiccan friend will find a quiet time to reflect and think.

But anyway, most people who aren’t Wiccan will do the usual garish things at this time of the year, gorge on chocolate and sweets and decorate their house in garish tacky paraphernalia.

Personally I sit in the dark all night and refuse to answer the door, the last few years I’ve bought a share size bag of Mars bars and Twixes, and when the local hooligans have gone I turn the lights on and have a few bars.

What about you lot? Off to the pumpkin farm to pay over the odds for a pumpkin? Or go watch somebodies over decorated house who faces a massive electric bill when it lands on the mat?

Me and my husband are planning to move to waltham abbey. If any local dweller could give a good overview about the place would be highly appreciated. I would like to know about its neighborhood, schools, connections to london and hospitals nearby

I've been a member of this sub reddit for a few years now and I've noticed that a good majority of the people who comment appear to have lived in Chelmsford all their life and ontop of that, many of those who have moved to the area have done so with kids.

With this in mind I was hoping to pick everyones brains about some the primary schools. Specifically Moulsham Infant school, little acorns infant school and our lady immaculate primary school. Any positive and negative thoughts are all welcome!

Thanks in advance.

What do you think of woodford green? I know it's not technically Essex but it's close. I had an offer accepted on a flat flat in small, brand new development that ticks a lot boxes for me, in particular being very close to the Woodford station, so a short commute to Bank. I found the area quite nice but never actually lived there. Am I making a mistake?

Hi everyone, just wondering if any of you can help. Just moved to Chigwell Essex and I’m looking for recommendation on schools with good SEN departments for my 4 year old autistic daughter - she would be going in year 1.

I can’t find anything online and we was looking at special schools but unfortunately due to EHCP delays that won’t happen until 2026.

Any recommendations would be welcome as I am really desparte, I don’t know anyone around the area either. Willing to travel as long as it takes if it means she’s in a decent school with the support she needs.

Thanks xxx

I had my phone pinched from me at some point in Chelmsford yesterday afternoon. I thought I was lucky because I’ve never had a phone stolen before. I honestly don’t even know how they got it!

There definitely needs to be some kind of crackdown on these gangs. By the time I got home and was able to track the phone it had already made its way to North London!

I had brought a lanyard case to try to prevent this but stupidly hadn’t been using it.

Make sure you have phone insurance people!! I gave up on it and now regret it :(

New plans by Thurrock council to develop a town south of West Horndon station. Including houses, retirement home, hotel, primary school and so on

https://regs.thurrock.gov.uk/online-applications/files/619EA1F41EAB7C5F966B7CA9235F79EC/pdf/24_01051_OUT-DESIGN_AND_ACCESS_STATEMENT-1057403.pdf

I’m looking at buying in Chelmsford as a single FTB and have seen a nice place on Baddow Road near the Army and Navy roundabout within budget.

I’ve been looking into the area and from what I’ve read the Meadgate estate/ shops appears to be a general area to avoid.

Is this a view held about that whole area or is a house close to the roundabout a far enough distance to be ok?

Can anyone recommend a grief counsellor in Essex (preferably specialising with the loss of a child - for a friend not myself) I have searched online but would rather deal with recommendations. Thanks in advance.

My favourite places anywhere are those which possess both a camera shop and a record shop.

Chelmsford and Colchester have both (or did when I last visited). Which other Essex towns and cities fit the bill?

Hi, my cat went out yesterday around 11am and hasn't been back since. I live in the town of Essex more in the secluded woods, but with neighbors so not completely alone. She hasn't come back yet and I'm getting really nervous that she died, she goes out a good amount but always comes back will hin a few hours. Does anyone know how long a cat could survive, she can hunt (has brought back a couple gifts) but I am worried mainly about other wildlife.