Rainham Marshes RSPB Reserve
There are only a few ancient landscapes left in London and this RSPB reserve 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 and is now the largest remaining expanse of wetland bordering the upper reaches of the Thames Estuary.
Access to the marshes is via a short walk from Purfleet station (not Rainham) with the route being clearly signposted.
Opening times
9.30 am - 4.30 pm daily.
Entrance charges
Car Park: £1.00. Reserve: Free to RSPB members and residents of Havering & Thurrock.
Non-members: £2.50 adult, £1.00 child, £6.00 family (two adults and up to four children).
Reserve now open.
The reserve is now open for unaccompanied access for the first time in over 100 years.
We look forward to seeing you soon.
The RSPB at Wat Tyler Country Park
Just a short walk from Pitsea station, the Park is home to the RSPB visitor centre. Here you can discover wildlife close to you and watch live CCTV footage of birds outside.
Children's activities help them get closer to nature and you can find out about the RSPB's new nature reserves at nearby Vange and West Canvey Marshes.
The RSPB visitor centre is open weekends and school holidays, from 10am - 4pm. Admission is free.
Wat Tyler Country Park is open seven days a week and is great for all the family with a network of paths and trails through the grass meadows and woodland. There's also a children's play area, cafe and miniature railway.
RSPB Vange Marsh can be reached from Pitsea station and a variety of birds and wildlife can be seen throughout the year on the lagoons. There are no facilities at the reserve and entry is free.
For more information about the RSPB and activities near you, go to www.rspb.org.uk, call 01268 559158 or email southessexproject@rspb.org.uk.