Rainham Marshes

[Wild-Woman]

Hello WABites, how are you all this lovely Saturday?

Thought I'd let you know where I've been this morning. Or should I say we,because my better half allowed me to drag him around there. Rainham Marshes, Essex, a newly opened RSPB reserve. Infact it opened to the public on Monday of this week.

We were impressed. It's on the North bank of the Thames at Purfleet, a relatively short drive through the Dartford tunnel, turn left for us.

The visitors centre is bang up to date. It harvests rain and power and tells you how much is being produced for it's own needs. There are two glass funnel shaped towers on the top that allows loads of light in, thus reducing the need for so much internal lighting in the building. Some thought has been put into it for sure.

It is an excellent site for people that require wheelchairs for their mobility and the gradients are negligible. So a huge thumbs up for that I think.

The marshes have been made accessible to everyone by a series of walkways and fine gravel paths and tarmac. There is one hide opened and I think they are still working on more.

Now to the birds. On entry, we straight away saw a smashing little stonechat that put on quite a show. There are, gulls of many species, widgeon, shags, cormorants, yellowhammers, goldfinches, woodpeckers, wagtails, herons, egrets, crows to name but a few.

It was quite busy so I think some of the species that had been seen were in hiding, probably shell shocked by a sudden influx of humans I should think.

I should imagine that in the summer there will be an explosion of odonates. The habitat is first rate for them. So if you're like me and love the drags/damselfies it'll be the perfect spot.

There is cleverly crafted areas for children and school visits to ditch dip and habitat for birds such as sand martins.

All in all 10/10 on our first visit (and I know there will be many) and a well done to the RSPB for the work they've obviously put into the site. Nice one.

When I've cropped some pics, I'll add them to this thread.


Julie

[eeyore]

we should have a wab meet down there

[Wild-Woman]

Originally Posted by eeyore

we should have a wab meet down there

Good idea Pete. Perhaps one for next year then we can all pop along to the Circus Tavern down the road for some entertainment.

[eeyore]

we'll leave it to you to organise then julie, looking forward to it

[Paul mabbott]

The marshes are very good for many insects and, for London-Essex, there are several rare beetles ... It was a long hard struggle to save the marshes - one of the few successes but an example of how people can get something done for nature *if* they work long enough and hard enough. I'm sure, WW, that you think the reserve is better than a retail park?

[aeshna5]

The site supports 1 of our rarest odonates- the Scarce Emerald Damselfly, Lestes dryas, which was rediscovered in Essex Coastal dykes some years back. Hope to find it next year. A meeting sounds like a good idea.

[Wild-Woman]

Originally Posted by Paul mabbott

The marshes are very good for many insects and, for London-Essex, there are several rare beetles ... It was a long hard struggle to save the marshes - one of the few successes but an example of how people can get something done for nature *if* they work long enough and hard enough. I'm sure, WW, that you think the reserve is better than a retail park?

Listen Paul, I'm definitely NOT into shops. I'm probably the only woman in Kent who went to Bluewater to get shots of the Small Red- Eyed Damselfly, not shoes. I nearly got arrested in the process too, because they wondered what I was up to. I mean, a strange woman, stalking the banks of the lake, with a camera what on earth would you think!!!

[Wild-Woman]

Originally Posted by aeshna5

The site supports 1 of our rarest odonates- the Scarce Emerald Damselfly, Lestes dryas, which was rediscovered in Essex Coastal dykes some years back. Hope to find it next year. A meeting sounds like a good idea.

Music to my ears. I know a good site for them in Kent and got some fair shots last July. I intend to improve on that. Essex it is then.

[smartie]

Blast - I made a choice on Friday between Rainham Marshes and Fowlmere and obviously chose the wrong one! Best we managed were one water rail and one snipe. The kingfisher that usually turns up didn't, and all we saw otherwise were lots of mallard and a few moorhens. And a very nice guy who gave me some good digiscoping advice. And quite a lot of rain....

OK, Rainham Marshes next trip.

[rlchew]

I have not had a chance to visit Rainham Marshes yet even if it is only a short trip up the A13 for me.

Thanks for your PM and this post Julie .... it sounds like you had a good day.

I was speaking to a birdwatcher in the hide at Wat Tyler Country Park today who has also visited since the opening and highly recommends the reserve.

More information on Rainham Marshes here ....

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RSPB

Green Grid

Richard