RSPB Rainham Marshes

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RSPB Rainham Marshes Protecting and restoring habitats, saving species and helping
end the nature and climate emergency.

Calling all budding birdwatchers! Join us at RSPB Rainham Marshes October half-term for a special Child & Parent Birdwat...
24/10/2026

Calling all budding birdwatchers!
Join us at RSPB Rainham Marshes October half-term for a special Child & Parent Birdwatching Walk!
What makes this walk extra special? It is being led by a fantastic young birder who can’t wait to share their passion and help you spot some incredible wildlife.
• 📅 Date: 28th October
• ⏰ Time: 10:30 – 12:30
• 📍 Location: Visitor Centre
• 🌿 Perfect for: Young nature enthusiasts!
Bring your binoculars (or hire a pair of ours!) and come explore the reserve with us.

This event is for children aged between 8-14 years, it is not suitable for younger or older children. All children must be accompanied by an adult. To help us keep the event enjoyable for everyone, only one accompanying adult per child is permitted, and this adult ticket is free of charge.

Spaces are limited, so book your child's ticket today! Accompanying adult free.
👉events.rspb.org.uk/rainhammarshes

🍃 Been meaning to get out and enjoy nature, but not sure where to start? 🍃Our guided nature walks are perfect for anyone...
24/10/2026

🍃 Been meaning to get out and enjoy nature, but not sure where to start? 🍃

Our guided nature walks are perfect for anyone who's curious about wildlife but doesn't know their buzzard from their blackbird just yet!

Join Bill or one of our other knowledgeable guides for a relaxed walk around Rainham Marshes and discover the wildlife that's right on your doorstep. We’ll be keeping our eyes peeled for autumn and winter wildlife, looking out for ducks, waders and other birds visiting for the season. 🐦🦋🌿
Recent visitors have said 'Ian was brilliant at explaining different species, especially as this was my first time birdwatching'.
No specialist knowledge needed, just a willingness to slow down, explore, and enjoy the outdoors with like-minded people. Everyone is welcome, and there's always something new to discover.

💷 £8 members | £10 non-members | £3 children (12+)
🎟 Book now: events.rspb.org.uk/rainhammarshes
🔭 Binoculars available to hire too!

Thank you to Ken Copleston for these beautiful shots of a Water Rail seen a few weeks ago at Rainham. These elusive bird...
23/10/2026

Thank you to Ken Copleston for these beautiful shots of a Water Rail seen a few weeks ago at Rainham. These elusive birds are often heard more than seen, so it's always a real treat when one ventures into the open. We're delighted that Ken was able to capture such fantastic views and share them with us.

🐦 Join us for a Guided Birdwatching Walk at Rainham Marshes! 🍂Looking for something to enjoy this autumn and winter? Our...
21/10/2026

🐦 Join us for a Guided Birdwatching Walk at Rainham Marshes! 🍂

Looking for something to enjoy this autumn and winter? Our guided birdwatching walks are the perfect way to experience the changing seasons while discovering the incredible birdlife of the marshes.

💬 One recent visitor said: 'Really enjoyed, with very knowledgeable guides who were very happy to share their knowledge and enthusiasm for birds and Rainham Marshes,' 'Excellent and learnt so much! Thank you!'

Whether you're completely new to birdwatching or keen to build your wildlife knowledge, our friendly guides will help you spot birds, identify species, listen to birdsong, and enjoy a peaceful walk surrounded by nature.

No experience needed, and binoculars are available to borrow too! 👀✨

💷 £8 members | £10 non-members | £3 children (12+)
👉 Book now: events.rspb.org.uk/rainhammarshes

🍂 Some fantastic sightings over the last few days! 🐦It was great to see the Bearded T**s (Beardies) back on the Dragonfl...
21/10/2026

🍂 Some fantastic sightings over the last few days! 🐦

It was great to see the Bearded T**s (Beardies) back on the Dragonfly Pool, with thanks to Bradley and our dedicated volunteers for helping make these sightings possible.

There was also a beautiful view of a Pectoral Sandpiper on the morning of 19 October, a real highlight for visitors and birdwatchers alike.

A huge thank you to John Humble for capturing and sharing these stunning photographs.

🍃 Been meaning to get out and enjoy nature, but not sure where to start? 🍃Our guided nature walks are perfect for anyone...
20/10/2026

🍃 Been meaning to get out and enjoy nature, but not sure where to start? 🍃

Our guided nature walks are perfect for anyone who's curious about wildlife but doesn't know their buzzard from their blackbird just yet!

Join Bill for a relaxed walk around Rainham Marshes and discover the wildlife that's right on your doorstep. We’ll be keeping our eyes peeled for autumn and winter wildlife, looking out for ducks, waders and other birds visiting for the season. 🐦🦋🌿
Recent visitors have said ' I would recommend it to anyone', 'Always a pleasure walking round with Bill'
No specialist knowledge needed, just a willingness to slow down, explore, and enjoy the outdoors with like-minded people. Everyone is welcome, and there's always something new to discover.

💷 £8 members | £10 non-members | £3 children (12+)
🎟 Book now: events.rspb.org.uk/rainhammarshes
🔭 Binoculars available to hire too!

❄️🦆 Discover a Winter Wonderland at RSPB Rainham Marshes! 🦢✨Winter brings a magical transformation to the marshes! 🌿 Joi...
19/10/2026

❄️🦆 Discover a Winter Wonderland at RSPB Rainham Marshes! 🦢✨

Winter brings a magical transformation to the marshes! 🌿 Join us to discover ducks, geese and swans as they arrive from the north, seeking refuge in this beautiful wetland habitat.

👀 Meet tiny Teal, listen out for whistling Wigeon, and admire elegant Gadwall as our expert guides help you discover the wonderful world of winter wildlife.

🌟 No experience needed! Just bring your curiosity and binoculars (or hire a pair from reception) and get ready for a fantastic wildlife adventure!

🎟️ Tickets: 🐦 Members: £12 🦆 Non-members: £15 👧 Children (12+): £5

📅 Ready to explore? Book your place today!

👉 Book now: https://events.rspb.org.uk/rainhammarshes

📸 Bring your sense of adventure and discover the beauty of winter wildlife with us!

🍂🐦 September Bird Highlights - What a Month! 🐦🍂September proved to be another fantastic month for birdwatching, with an ...
17/10/2026

🍂🐦 September Bird Highlights - What a Month! 🐦🍂

September proved to be another fantastic month for birdwatching, with an impressive 126 species recorded and 7 rarity sightings across the reserve!

⭐ Rarities of the month included:

Ruddy Shelduck (present for an incredible 24 days!)
Pied Flycatcher
Arctic Skua
Little Stint (2)
Osprey
Siskin
And perhaps our most unexpected visitor... a Cockatiel! 😄

As autumn migration gathered pace, numbers rose across many species. Highlights included:

🦆 Waterfowl

Gadwall remained abundant with 295 recorded
Teal increased to 185
Shoveler numbers surged to 139 (+79 from August)
The first Pintail and Brent Goose of the season also appeared

🦤 Waders

Black-tailed Godwits reached 112
Lapwing numbers climbed to 75
Avocets increased to 33
Curlew, Greenshank, Ringed Plover and Snipe all showed healthy autumn movements

🦅 Birds of Prey

An exciting month with sightings of Osprey, Red Kite, Marsh Harrier, Hobby, Peregrine and Barn Owl
Red Kites doubled to 10 individuals

🐦 Passerines & Migration

A spectacular movement of 1,500 House Martins was the standout event of the month, accompanied by 160 Swallows
Stonechats increased to 11
Bearded T**s continued to show well, with 8 recorded
Redstarts, Whinchats and Spotted Flycatchers added to the migration interest

🌾 Wagtails & Pipits

Meadow Pipits arrived in force, rising to 57
Yellow Wagtails remained present with 45 recorded
Grey Wagtails, Rock Pipits and Tree Pipits all featured during the month

With autumn now in full swing, October promises even more arrivals as wintering wildfowl and visitors continue to move through the reserve.

(This data is taken solely from eBird surveys, or from direct results from our local birders)

Address

RSPB Rainham Marshes, New Tank Hill Road
Purfleet
RM191SZ

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 9am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 9am - 4:30pm
Thursday 9am - 4:30pm
Friday 9am - 4:30pm
Saturday 9am - 4:30pm
Sunday 9am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+441708899840

Website

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