Rainham Marshes

[lol geoff]

As I ony live a few miles away I finally took a trip over to Rainham Marshes yesterday and I was very impressed. They have obviously spent a lot of money converting what used to be the old Purfleet ranges into a wetland reserve. The reserve is easy to get round as all the paths and walk ways are well maintained and wheelchair/pushcair friendly. There is only one dedicated hide at the moment but they will be adding more in the future. The main building is ideal as it has huge windows overlooking the reserve one side and the Thames the other, it is heated, has a cafe and two permenantly mounted spotting scopes for the use of the punters, so it was a bit of wrench leaving it to walk around the site. Normally I tend to wizz round places like these as I get easily bored looking through binoculars, but I was surprised at how long we were there just mooching about. This place is geared up for all sorts of wildlife activities not just birds and should keep most people amused for at least few hours. There are quite a few organised events throughout the year from bat watching to keep fit walks around the perimeter, and one that has caught my eye is a guided walk and talk about the military history of the site. So if you are thinking of a visit it might be worth checking their website before you go. I will definitly be heading back over there again soon especialy as it's free to go through the tunnel on the bike.

[Wild-Woman]

Originally Posted by lol geoff

As I ony live a few miles away I finally took a trip over to Rainham Marshes yesterday and I was very impressed. They have obviously spent a lot of money converting what used to be the old Purfleet ranges into a wetland reserve. The reserve is easy to get round as all the paths and walk ways are well maintained and wheelchair/pushcair friendly. There is only one dedicated hide at the moment but they will be adding more in the future. The main building is ideal as it has huge windows overlooking the reserve one side and the Thames the other, it is heated, has a cafe and two permenantly mounted spotting scopes for the use of the punters, so it was a bit of wrench leaving it to walk around the site. Normally I tend to wizz round places like these as I get easily bored looking through binoculars, but I was surprised at how long we were there just mooching about. This place is geared up for all sorts of wildlife activities not just birds and should keep most people amused for at least few hours. There are quite a few organised events throughout the year from bat watching to keep fit walks around the perimeter, and one that has caught my eye is a guided walk and talk about the military history of the site. So if you are thinking of a visit it might be worth checking their website before you go. I will definitly be heading back over there again soon especialy as it's free to go through the tunnel on the bike.

Yep-all that and can I add that the home-made hearty soup and cakes are to die for when you come back in!!

[clover green]

Yeah, ditto ! The marshes are great and well worth a visit. I should go more often, especially as it's free. I will be dropping in sometime in the next week or so, to stock up on wild bird seed and sunflower hearts, etc and all at a reasonable price too.

[Brocker]

It looks like it will be worth a visit then. I was going to head out there the other day but I opted for a Chelmer River walk instead. That will be next weekend then. . Thanks for the info.

[Perry Grin]

Rainham is a great place. As well as the cakes, soup and coffee in the visitors centre, the reserve comes up trumps with a host of wildlife, especially birds - you even get a few rarities, such as penduline tit, cattle egret and spoonbill amongst many others. The guys in the visitor centre are very friendly and helpful, they keep a list of the latest sightings and will advise on where to see what. Well worth a visit.