ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ
Rainham Marshes

Rainham Marshes
Home > Reserves > Reserves by name > R > Rainham Marshes > About Rainham Marshes

About Rainham Marshes

One of very few ancient landscapes remaining in London, these medieval marshes right next to the River Thames were closed to the public for over 100 years and used as a military firing range.

We managed to acquire the site in 2000 and set about transforming it into an important place for nature and a great place for people to visit. Now you can expect to see breeding wading birds in spring and summer, and large flocks of wild ducks in winter.

Birds of prey and rare birds are regularly seen too. There are also water voles in the ditches and rare dragonflies flit across the boardwalks.

There is an innovative visitor centre, with huge picture-windows that look out across the marshes. It is full of environmentally friendly features and already boasts a handful of prestigious architectural awards.

There is also a shop and café and a new wildlife garden and children's adventure play area too. A full events programme offers something for everyone, and while we still have several years to go to finish all the visitor features out on the reserve, it is already an incredible transformation. Boardwalks throughout the reserve give access for wheelchairs and pushchairs.

Opening times

1 November-31 March 9.30 am-4.30 pm. 1 April-31 October 9.30 am-5 pm

Entrance charges

Car Park: voluntary £1 donation. Reserve: Free to RSPB members and residents of Havering & Thurrock. Non-members: £2.50 adult, £1 child, £7 family (two adults and up to four children). Some events may incur additional charges, please check on booking.

If you are new to birdwatching...

Birds are easy to see year round. The reserve runs a number of regular events for birdwatchers throughout the year, from novice to expert, including weekly Wednesday guided birding walk with Howard Vaughan, dawn chorus walks, winter spectacle birding event, a new birdwatching club for children, February's flock bird event and spring walks. There are also designated open days and weekends. Please see the events pages for further information.

Information for families

There is an evolving events and walks programme specially designed for families, with activities for all. All the reserve's paths and boardwalks are family and wheelchair friendly.

Information for dog owners

No dogs allowed, except registered assistance dogs. However, dogs are allowed on the Thames riverside path - a public footpath and cycleway running adjacent to the reserve.

Contact us

01708 899840

Nearest town: Purfleet, Essex

Grid reference: TQ552792

Directions

For directions, please see our How to get here page.

Links

This reserve is a VAQAS quality assured visitor attraction