T100 Sounds Launch

Sounds of Rainham Marshes – Summer Solstice Birdsong walk

Wednesday 21 June 2023

Location: Rainham Marshes Visitor Centre

The first of the T100 Sounds walks was a special summer solstice walk of RSPB Rainham Marshes where you walkers were able to fully take in beautiful birdsong and nature as they ventured along. Once a military firing range, the reserve now explodes with wildlife, which thrive on the ancient grazing marshes of the Thames Estuary. The reserve is a mixture of wet grasslands and ditches, which together with dry grasslands and scrub, are home to a wide variety of birds and scarce wetlands plants and insects.

June is breeding season, so we expected to see lots of wildlife, such as, lapwings, marsh harrier, kestrels, and plenty of marsh frogs and common lizards, as well as nationally rare water voles. Around the scrapes and pools, you’ll find waders and ducks, while the pockets of woodland are the place to spot warblers and woodpeckers, and head to the reedbeds to spot marsh harriers, bearded tits and summer warblers. We saw so many birds along this trip and were very thankful to our leader, one of Rainham Marshes RSPB reserve volunteers, Andrew.

The reserve is an important area for wildlife, and a great place to visit all year-round so please see our recommended route below.

Visitor Centre, RSPB Rainham Marshes Nature Reserve

WALK INFO

Duration: 2-hour walk
Distance: 2 miles
Grading: Easy
Terrain: A mix of boardwalks, gravel and concrete paths
Access: This walk is fully accessible and step-free throughout. A mobility scooter and a wheelchair are available to use.

MAP

TRAVEL

TRAINS

The nearest train station at the Start/End: Purfleet. Purfleet train station is on the C2C line from Fenchurch Street. The reserve is a 20-minute walk from the station following the brown pedestrian signs along the riverside path. Turn right out of the station, then join the path at the Royal Pub, and follow the river wall path where you will then cross the Mardyke Bridge to the Visitor Centre.

BUSES

Start / End: 44 – the bus stops near the reserve entrance on New Tank Hill Road. This bus runs every hour and up to 30-minutes during peak periods.

ROAD

The reserve is located off New Tank Hill Road (A1090) in Purfleet, which is just off the A1306 between Rainham and Lakeside. This is accessible from the Aveley, Wennington and Purfleet junction off the A13 and J30/31 of the M25.

PARKING

Start/ End: Rainham Marshes Visitor Centre

There is plenty of on-site parking available.

ACCESSIBILITY

This walk is accessible for wheelchairs and large pushchairs. Along the route there are a number of hides with seating where people can stop and rest as they like.

T100 walks are of different lengths and on varying terrain. Some are mainly on footpaths, and others mainly on footpaths where ground may be uneven. We have designed our programme with accessibility in mind so we hope that there is something for everyone to enjoy. If you would like to discuss this please contact nicole@kinetika.co.uk.

Please note:
We ask that people choose walks within their capabilities; the walk leaders are experienced but must take people’s word that they are sufficiently fit for the grade of walk they have chosen.

Due care has been exercised in organising the walks, however, Kinetika, the funders and associated partners of the project cannot accept liability for loss, accident or injury caused to any person following the routes, especially unsupervised. Participants under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

WHAT TO TAKE

Please ensure that you are properly equipped for all walks. The weather can be unpredictable so bring waterproof clothing and/or sun hats and sun cream – it’s best to be prepared for all weather.

Walking boots/shoes are recommended, but if you don’t have these, please wear suitable and comfortable footwear – best to leave open-toe sandals or high heels at home. Make sure you bring snacks and a packed lunch with you, if necessary, and plenty to drink.

Toilet facilities can be accessed in the Visitor Centre at the start and end of the walk. These include baby changing and disabled facilities. There are further toilets on the reserve.

There is a Café in the visitor centre serving refreshments, and hot and cold food.