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Rainham Marshes

Bringing the curriculum to life: thrilling encounters with the natural world in an urban environment

From Neolithic forest to a Ministry of Defence rifle range used in both World Wars, Rainham Marshes has a fascinating history.

The marshes are also one of the few remaining ancient grassland and grazing marshes in the UK.

This variety of wildlife and habitats provides a fantastic opportunity for all types of field study as your class explores the ancient and unique landscape of the marshes.

With our innovative and sustainable Environment and Education Centre, dedicated education areas and the River Thames on our doorstep, the marshes are a safe and inspiring environment to get close to nature.

A field trip to Rainham Marshes enables your students to compare and contrast environments, question why and how, and develop scientific minds.

Teenagers pond dipping at Rainham Marshes

A wonderful teaching tool for children - this gives them an opportunity to 'do' rather than watch and listen.

Upton Cross School

Contact us

We'd be happy to help you plan your visit

Essential info

Pre-visit Downloads

Costs

Durationper childminimum costs
Half dayPrimary £4.75; Secondary £5.50Primary £45; Secondary £55
Full dayPrimary £5.50; Secondary £6.95Primary £75; Secondary £85

Fact file

How to find us:

For directions to Rainham Marshes visit the reserve page

When to visit:

You can visit all year round, any time during the week. Full-day visits start 10 am and last about four hours, including a break for lunch. We can organise half-day sessions which last around two hours.

You are welcome to visit at any time of year to see where your group will be working, to carry out your own risk assessment and finalise your programme.

Suitable for

Key Stage 1, Key Stage 2, Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4, A-level.

This site has been externally verified to ensure that we are providing high quality learning experiences and managing safety effectively via the LOtC Quality Badge scheme. Read the report.