The expansion of Witham over the last 40 years from village to a market town, of necessity encroached on much of the neighbouring countryside. Whilst this development could have been to the detriment of the local wild life the farsighted decision was made to create a River Walk. The walk, which extends about three miles through the town, is a mix of formal recreational areas and untended natural areas, the latter providing habitats for a wide variety of animals and birds.

Facilities for wild life were further enhanced by the creation of the Whetmead Nature Reserve at the end of Backwater Lane, off Maldon Road. This was originally a rubbish tip, which was landscaped, and a lagoon created. The Rivers Backwater and Brain border two sides of the Reserve and create a picturesque walk. The area is now home to foxes, herons, cormorants and a host of smaller creatures.

The ownership of the River Walk and Whetmead has recently been transferred from Braintree District to Witham Town Council. A higher level of local involvement and investment in management in each of these areas is promised with this change.
In 1993, Witham Town Council purchased a 14-acre site adjacent to Olivers Farm, off Maldon Road to create a Community Woodland for the Town.

In the Town Centre, behind Newland’s Car Park, there is a Closed Churchyard - an oasis for plants and animals as well as having some significant war graves which commemorate many well-known Witham family names. In addition, behind the Town Hall, there is a medieval period garden, a formally laid out garden, which is also a magnet for wildlife but provides an area of quiet and calm for many of Witham’s residents. Both are managed by the Town Council.