The partnership forms part of the college's response to the county's nature crisis. Gary Horne, MBE, deputy chief executive of Colchester Institute, said: "We have long admired Essex Wildlife Trust's achievements and we are delighted to be in a position to provide support for delivery of the 2030 strategic plan to drive nature recovery across Essex." Colchester Institute declared a climate emergency in 2021 and is committed to halving its carbon footprint by 2030. Principal and chief executive Alison Andreas said:"Our college theme for the 2025-26 academic year will be the environment and sustainability with all departments delivering projects by the close of the year that demonstrate a positive impact”