RSPB Rainham Marshes Nature Reserve

Description

Experience big skies, exciting wildlife and a great place for getting close to nature.

RSPB Rainham Marshes has been nestled alongside the mighty River Thames for hundreds of years. In its recent past it was owned by the MoD and used as a firing range by British troops for nearly a century before the RSPB purchased the land in 2000.

Ten years on and the RSPB has transformed the marsh back to its medieval glory with wildlife-filled ditches, pools and flooded fields. Come and encounter a myriad of birds, water voles, frogs and wonderful insects.

There is something for everyone here - from birdwatchers and walkers to families and groups. We have 2.5 miles of fully accessible trails suitable for all, and hides that afford great views over the marshes.

With a toddlers' play area, wildlife garden, adventure play area and Marshland Discovery Zone, Rainham Marshes offers the chance of a more interactive visitor experience.

Our Visitor Centre cafe is always ready to serve hot food, sandwiches and our glorious homemade cakes with a hot cuppa, while the shop has all your wildlife care needs covered. We are open all year except Christmas and Boxing Day and look forward to welcoming you in the near future.

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.