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
Bowers Marsh
Bowers GiffordOpenSee opening timesExplore four miles of nature trails and discover our bustling lagoon, swaying reedbeds, dense hedgerows and insect-filled grasslands at Bowers Marsh.
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About
Bowers Marsh is a landscape alive with the sights and sounds of wildlife. This grazing marsh has played a vital role in the lives of people and wildlife for centuries. Now, after careful restoration, it’s ready and waiting for you to explore and enjoy.
Bowers Marsh is made up of grassland, marshland, and lagoons, it's a beautiful reserve for walks through varied habitats. Follow one of the trails and you are likely to see or hear something of interest, from chatty winter ducks to a brightly-coloured flash of a Kingfisher.
At a glance
We’ve taken the difficult decision to close the car park at RSPB Bowers Marsh to help reduce anti-social behaviour, prioritise health and safety of staff and volunteers, and promote a safe, enjoyable experience for visitors to the reserve.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank visitors for their cooperation.
We will continue to review the use of the car park and at busy times we may temporarily reopen the car park.
The nearest public toilets can be found at Benfleet train station which is around six miles away.
There are no changing facilities here. The nearest public toilets can be found at Benfleet train station which is around six miles away.
Pushchair Accessible
Pushchair Accessible
Wheelchair Accessible
Wheelchair Accessible
The nearest public toilets can be found at Benfleet train station which is around six miles away.
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.
Dogs are not permitted on the reserve trails, except assistance dogs due to the sensitive wildlife and habitats here.
To avoid disturbance we ask that dogs are only walked on the public footpaths on the nature reserve and that they are kept on leads.
There are no dog waste bins so please come prepared to take your waste home with you.
Assistance dogs are allowed at all times. There are no dog waste bins so please come prepared to take your waste home with you.
See what’s here
This is a great location to spot Kingfishers
The vibrant azure and copper feathers of the Kingfisher make them one of the UK’s most colourful and instantly recognisable birds. But blink and you’ll miss them – they dart along rivers and streams at high speeds. RSPB nature reserves and our care-taking teams provide safe wetland havens for these special birds and their fishy prey.
Contact Bowers Marsh
southessex@rspb.org.uk Bowers Marsh, Church Rd, Basildon, Essex, SS13 2HG 01268 498620