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
Stanford Wharf
Stanford-le-HopeOpenSee opening timesExplore the open, expansive SSSI mud flats and big open skies, offering sanctuary for lots of wildlife, especially Avocet and Black-tailed Godwits.
About
At this reserve, you'll find intertidal mudflat, scrubland and a large length of sea wall.
The old sea walls are particularly important here, as birds will snuggle up to roost on the ends of these at high tide, before they feed on the mudflats of Stanford Wharf and the Thames estuary
when the tide is out.
The reserve has been developed as a feeding and roosting site for wintering and passage birds, including Shelduck, Teal, Wigeon, Ringed Plover, Dunlin, Grey Plover, Curlew and Redshank.
At a glance
No on-site car parking. Free parking available at the end of Wharf Road.
There are no toilets here.
There are no toilets here.
Pushchair Accessible
Pushchair Accessible
Wheelchair Accessible
Wheelchair Accessible
There are no toilets here.
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.
Assistance dogs are welcome in all parts of the reserve.
See what’s here
Contact Stanford Wharf
southessex@rspb.org.uk Stanford Wharf, Wharf Rd, Stanford-le-Hope, Thurrock, SS17 0EE 01268 498620