RSPB Rainham Marshes Nature Reserve

Description

Get closer to the wildlife on your doorstep and feel the exhilaration of the big skies and fresh air as you explore our nature reserve. Once a medieval grazing marsh, Rainham Marshes is now open to the public for the first time in 100 years following use as a MoD shooting range. The biggest green space in east London it is truly a wild space for a world city. You will be able to spot a wide variety of bird species, some rare or scarce, as well as mammals and other wildlife from the network of easily accessible nature trails. Everyone is welcome at our award winning visitor centre, open daily between 9.30am – 4.30pm. Enjoy great views from the Riverside Café with stunning views over the marshland and River Thames. Also, try visiting the well-stocked RSPB shop or let the kids run free in the adventure area.

Events
A full events schedule gives you a chance to get closer to nature with the help of our enthusiastic experts no matter what your knowledge or interests. If you're part of a group, we welcome coaches or group visits and have a very active educational programme to cater for your school groups educational needs.

Cycling at Rainham Marshes
RSPB Rainham Marshes is just a stone's throw from London, easily accessible by public transport, on foot and by bike. Located on ancient marshland nestled beside the river Thames, it really is a special place to enjoy the great outdoors.

The reserve itself offers a leisurely amble in a superb setting with fantastic facilities such as an award-winning, eco-friendly visitor centre with cafe and shop.

If cycling is your thing, a brand new cycle route links the villages of Purfleet and Rainham. This runs beside the reserve, following the Thames, looping round and passing the stone barges.

Both on the reserve and along the riverside path, you will see a variety of interesting, sometimes rare, birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians as well as bugs and beasties of all kinds. You will also be able to learn so much of the history and importance of this area.

Educational facilities
The Education team offer a comprehensive and exciting array of curriculum linked field study visits for all school levels. We have Woodland, Reedbed and Marshland Discovery Zones, an Environment and Education centre, fully equipped classrooms, specific study areas, pond dipping areas and lots more. It's a safe and inspiring environment to get close to nature. A selection of lifelong learning courses on a variety of topics are run throughout the year, along with a range of children's activities, including holiday clubs. Please contact us for further details.

About the RSPB
The RSPB speaks out for birds and wildlife, tackling the problems that threaten our environment. We rely upon memberships and donations to fund our work. Nature is amazing - help us keep it that way.

How to get here
By Train: Purfleet train station is on the C2C line from Fenchurch Street. The reserve is a 15 minute walk from the station following the brown pedestrian signs along the riverside path.

By Bus: The ensignbus 44 bus route which runs between Lakeside and Orsett Hospital, Grays, stops near the reserve entrance on New Tank Hill Road. This bus runs every hour and up to 30 minutes during peak periods.

By Car: The reserve is located off New Tank Hill Road (A1090) in Purfleet which is just off the A1306 between Rainham and Lakeside. This is accessible from the Aveley, Wennington and Purfleet junction off the A13 and J30/31 of the M25.