RSPB Rainham Marshes

Rainham Marshes nature reserve
There are only a few ancient landscapes left in London and RSPB Rainham Marshes is one of them. Bought from the Ministry of Defence in July 2000, its former use as shooting ranges has preserved much of the original medieval land-form and marshland wildlife.

Set in the industrial and urban landscape of East London and Essex, Rainham Marshes nature reserve is a green island on the doorstep of the UK’s biggest city. Now open to the public for the first time in 100 years it is the perfect day out from the stress of city life.

Already used by locals, tourist, artists, wildlife lovers and children of all ages, within a few years Rainham Marshes will be a nationally and internationally recognised site of urban wildlife and conservation. As the centrepiece of a network of green spaces, it will also make a significant contribution to the environmental enhancement and economic growth of the South Essex region as well as that of Greater London.

Wildlife
The reserve is particularly well known for its diverse birdlife, especially its breeding birds and the numbers of wintering wildfowl, wading birds, finches and birds of prey. The reserve also supports a wide range of wetland plants and insects, including some that are nationally rare or scarce. It also has one of the highest densities of water voles in the UK.

Conservation Land Management
RSPB now manages 871.1 acres (352.52 hectares) of Rainham, Wennington and Aveley Marshes (collectively known as Rainham Marshes) and this marshland was notified as part of a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in 1986 and as the “largest remaining expanse of wetland bordering the upper reaches of the Thames Estuary”.

Over 200 head of cattle and sheep help to maintain a range of suitable grassland habitat and are a central part of the land management regime. Water levels and habitat are managed to make the place as attractive as possible for a range of wildlife including rare water birds and the endangered water vole.

Facilities and activities
Facilities include an award-winning Visitor Centre – which encompasses a café, shop, reception and classroom – a network of trails and boardwalks through the marshland, bird watching viewpoints with telescopes, as well as picnic areas and a planned adventure area.

The RSPB runs a full range of events and activities for people of all ages and abilities including guided tours for beginner through to expert wildlife watchers. Also available are family orientated and children’s activities, education and fitness programs as well as other special events.

Transport & other info
Transport to the reserve from London is via the M25 and A13, or by public transport from Fenchurch Street C2C railway to Purfleet. The reserve entrance is situated off New Tank Hill Road and is 15 minutes walk from Purfleet station, along the new Rainham to Purfleet riverside path.

From the East End of London the reserve is just a short train ride away. Catch the district line to West Ham or Barking, change to the C2C line and get off at Purfleet station.

Opening times are 9.30am to 4.30pm daily.

If you need further assistance please call us on 01708 899 840, email Rainham.Marshes@rspb.org.uk or visit our website www.rspb.org.uk/rainham

Illustrations by Mike Langman (RSPB) and photography by Jesper Mattias (rspb-images.com)

Vange Marshes
Another reserve you might want to visit once in the area are the Vange Marshes which is a mosaic of wetland habitats. Fresh and saltwater lagoons attract breeding avocets, common terns, little ringed plovers and redshanks. These are managed by raising water levels in the winter to control vegetation on the islands and attract wintering wildfowl such as wigeons, teals and shovelers.

A rich programme of events ranging from guided walks to fun activities in the visitor centre ensures everybody has fun.

The South Essex Community Team looks forward to welcoming you soon. Please visit www.rspb.org.uk for more information on all the RSPB sites in Essex.