Wildfire risk
With wildfire risk currently extremely high, we urge visitors to take extra care by avoiding any activity that could start a fire and immediately reporting any signs of smoke or fire to 999 to help protect people and wildlife. Please note, some of our nature reserves are closed due to wildfires, please check before you travel.
Advice on wildfire preventionThu 30 July 2026 12:00 Days out
West Canvey Marshes
Canvey IslandOpenSee opening timesExplore West Canvey Marshes and its tapestry of wet and dry grassland, reed beds, lagoons, saltmarsh... you’ll spot a huge variety of wildlife. Come in summer, from singing Skylarks, to Short-eared Owls. Time to get muddy!
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About
Part of the RSPB South Essex Reserves, it's a network of wet and dry grassland, reed beds, lagoons, saltmarsh, and scrub... so there’s always something different to see.
We manage the wetlands and grasslands so that waders and wildfowl can make a good home here. The ditch networks and meadows are full of buzzing insects, colourful flowers and many important protected species, like Water Voles and reptiles.
With 6.5 km of visitor access, full of hedgerows and grassland, and wildlife viewpoints for nature spotting, you can watch over the various waters to spot all sorts of waders and waterfowl, from Egrets to Redshanks.
**Please note: Between September and end of December, livestock grazing will be present restricting access to the sea wall and Pantiles viewpoint**
At a glance
Car park open daily. Car park has 2 blue badge spaces. There is a height restriction of 2.1 metres (7 feet). Please note: the car park is loose gravel which may be difficult for pushchairs and wheelchairs.
There are no toilets here. Nearest accessible toilet facilities can be found at Morrisons supermarket, 0.6 mile (1km) from reserve.
There are no toilets here. Nearest facilities can be found at Morrisons supermarket, 0.6 mile (1km) from reserve.
Paths are surfaced with a mixture of grass and granite chippings between 1-2.5 metres wide which may prove difficult to access in some areas.
Paths are surfaced with a mixture of grass and granite chippings between 1-2.5 metres wide which may prove difficult to access in some areas.
There are no toilets here. Nearest toilets can be found at Morrisons supermarket, 0.6 mile (1km) from reserve.
BBQs are a fire risk, endangering other people and the precious wildlife and habitats here. They are not permitted on the reserve at any time.
There is a dedicated 1.5km/1 mile dog walking circuit.
Please always maintain close control over dogs due to the sensitive nature of the wildlife on the reserve and please do not allow dogs in other areas of the reserve.
A dog waste bin is available in the reserve car park.
Assistance dogs are welcome in all parts of the reserve.
See what’s here
Contact West Canvey Marshes
southessex@rspb.org.uk West Canvey Marsh, Roscommon Way, Canvey Island, Essex, SS8 0QR 01268 498620