Wat Tyler kestrels

26 June to 20 July 2009

We put a lot of energy into staying still.

Hovering is how we kestrels like to hunt.

We are masters of patience and control – nothing escapes our gaze as we focus on one spot (well, to within a few millimetres!), carefully scanning the ground for the slightest movement.

Visit the Wat Tyler Country Park viewpoint and you'll see us silently hanging in the skies looking for food, then moving at lightening-quick speed to get it back to our hungry, growing chicks!

Friendly staff and volunteers will be on hand at the viewpoint to show you our nest site, and to tell you all about us.

When can you see us?

Friendly staff and volunteers will be at the viewpoint every Friday-Sunday, 11 am to 5 pm.

What's at the site?

The perimeter paths are wheelchair and pushchair-friendly, and lead to the viewpoint. Parking is available at the Motorboat Museum and by the visitor centre (the viewpoint is signed from both). You'll also find a kiosk selling refreshments by the Marina, which is about 15 mins from the car park, and the viewpoint.

How to find us

By train
Pitsea Rail Station is right by the entrance to the Park on the Fenchurch Street - Shoeburyness line, run by C2C. Viewpoint is about 25 mins walk from the station.

By car
Wat Tyler Country Park is just off the A13 near Basildon in Essex.

Come to the RSPB visitor centre and follow signs to the viewpoint (around 15 minutes walk). Alternatively, follow signs from the Motorboat Museum to the kestrel viewpoint.

Still got some questions?

Telephone: South Essex Marshes office at Wat Tyler Country Park on 01268 559158
E-mail: southessexproject@rspb.org.uk

Why not make a day of it?

While you're out and about, find out where else you can go:

• Planning your visit to Wat Tyler Country Park

This date has been brought to you with help from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Natural England, and Basildon Council.