Rainham - Information

The RSPB bought Rainham Marshes in 2000 from the Ministry of Defence. The marshes are a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and of great value for wildlife, particularly breeding and wintering birds, water voles and several species of rare plants and invertebrates.

The marshes are a remnant of the ancient landscape along the Thames and as such are as vital in heritage terms as they are for wildlife. The project's aim is to transform a former military firing range, with serious urban blight issues, into a world-class nature reserve and visitor destination and to improve the marshland habitats and conserve the wildlife that relies on the fragile and declining marshland habitat for the enjoyment of local people and for the benefit of wildlife.

The overwhelming emphasis is on 'lifelong learning' - providing people of all ages and abilities with the opportunity to learn and enjoy the marshes and to enthuse them about the spectacular landscape on their doorstep

Progress

The project involves improving the marshes for wildlife but more significantly building major visitor facilities such as access roads, car park, visitor centre, nature trails, viewing areas, hides, discovery zones and a host of other amenities that will bring an urban population close to nature and their heritage - at least 5.6 million people live within an hour's travel time.

The marshes will be constantly developed and improved for many years to come. However, much of the work to build footpaths, boardwalks and temporary education areas, as well as an access road, car park, security measures and the pre-works for the Environment and Education Centre have already been completed.