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
Canvey Wick
Canvey IslandOpenSee opening timesDiscover the ex-oil refinery that's now thriving with life, home to rare bees, beetles, birds and more.
About
A unique ex-industrial habitat, Canvey Wick is an Essex nature reserve that's rich in plant and insect species. A carefully-managed blend of grassland and scrub habitat sit alongside important estuarine habitats.
Canvey Wick is a 93.2 hectare Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), found on Canvey Island in Essex. In fact, it's a truly important British site for endangered invertebrates, such as the rare Shrill Carder Bee and Brown-banded Carder Bee.
We manage the nature reserve in partnership with Buglife and on behalf of the Land Trust.
At a glance
Car park is open dawn until dusk. There are accessible parking spaces and parking is free.
No toilets on site. Nearest toilet facilities are at Morrisons supermarket at the end of Northwick Road on Canvey Island.
No toilets on site. Nearest toilet facilities are at Morrisons supermarket at the end of Northwick Road on Canvey Island.
Pushchair Accessible
Pushchair Accessible
Wheelchair Accessible
Wheelchair Accessible
No toilets on site. Nearest toilet facilities are at Morrisons supermarket at the end of Northwick Road on Canvey Island.
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 welcome on site but due to the sensitive nature of the nature reserve please keep to the following rules:
Enjoy your walk along the main trails but please keep your dog on a lead.
If you see other visitors, please bring your dog to a short lead as some visitors are not confident around dogs.
Keep a look out for horses! Ensure both your dog and the horses remain safe by keeping a short lead and giving distance to horses and riders.
Control or train dogs not to chase wildlife.
Clean up after your dog and use the dog waste bins provided at the car park and reserve entrance.
Thank you for being a responsible dog owner.
Assistance dogs are welcome in all parts of the reserve.
See what’s here
Contact Canvey Wick
southessex@rspb.org.uk Canvey Wick Nature Reserve, 276 Northwick Road, Canvey Island, Essex, SS8 0PT 01268 498620