Rainham Marshes

• About Rainham Marshes
• Star species
• Seasonal highlights
• Recent sightings
• Events
• Facilities
• Accessibility
• How to get here
• Our work here
• Visitor book
• School visits

About Rainham Marshes

One of very few ancient landscapes remaining in London, these medieval marshes right next to the 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.

Rainham Marshes opened to the public in November 2006, and already you can expect to see breeding wading birds in spring and summer, large flocks of wild ducks in winter, birds of prey and regular rarities. There are also water voles in the ditches and rare dragonflies scooting across the boardwalks.

The innovative visitor centre, with huge picture-windows looking out across the marshes, opened in November 2006. It is full of environmentally friendly features and already boasts a handful of prestigious architectural awards.

There is a shop and café, a full events programme with 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 – all the more reason to come and see it now and then follow its progress over the years!

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

Links

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. More...

Contact us

Visit our Contact us section for telephone numbers, office addresses and more.

Latest news

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