Rainham Marshes

Today, in the sunshine and with clear blue skies, a bird spectacle slowly unravelled though the morning.

It became apparent that small groups, and some larger groups, of chaffinch were flying along the riverwall, all heading west. In just a few hours, nearly 1100 birds were counted.

And it wasn't just chaffinches. The flocks contained a few brambling, some siskin and some redpoll.

This was bird migration happening…

Our woodland photography hide is now available again, with its reflection pool.

And we've been getting some wonderful results, including a regular female sparrowhawk that is visiting (see pic below by John Humble), and woodland birds using the pool, creating some nice photographic opportunities.

The hide is available to hire - full day £35 including reserve entry (£28 RSPB members), and half day £25 including reserve…

Yesss #BigWildSleepOut is back on Fri 28th  ! We're going virtual once more. But that doesn't mean you should ditch your tent & torch. Pitch up & join us   bit.ly/BWSO2020 

We've got a host of fun activities direct from @RSPBArne @RSPBSherwood & @RSPBMinsmere

Across the RSPB, we are now asking that visitors into our hides wear a face covering.

Advice about social distancing and not dwelling too long in hides, and remembering hand hygiene, still remains in place.

Thank-you.

We are part of the “We’re Good To Go” industry standard mark. This is a self-assessment scheme that has been designed by VisitEngland and others to provide reassurance to visitors that we have clear processes in place and are following industry and Government COVID-19 guidance on cleanliness and social distancing. 

Today is #HenHarrierDayOnline! We’re celebrating with our remarkable new hen harrier artwork by @AtmStreetart, to raise awareness of these rare birds.

This year it’s all online so join @ChrisGPackham & @MeganMcCubbin NOW for a day of virtual action   http://youtube.com/HenHarrierDayUK

On 8 August celebrate Hen Harrier Day 2020, an online celebration of these spectacular birds. We're delighted to reveal this amazing hen harrier artwork by @AtmStreetart, here @RSPBRainham.

Take part in a day of virtual action   youtube.com/HenHarrierDayUK @HHDayUK

See the full update here..

https://community.rspb.org.uk/placestovisit/rainhammarshes/b/rainhammarshes-blog/posts/we-are-re-opening

We can also confirm that our toilets in the visitor centre are open too.

Press release 2020/04 - Issued by the Bumblebee Conservation Trust

Conservationists come together to save the threatened Shrill carder bee

A group of leading conservationists have committed to work together to save the rarest bumblebee in England and Wales, the Shrill carder bee.

From today (14 July 2020) more than 30 organisations plus dozens of individuals, including conservation charities, government bodies, volunteers…

Canvey Wick, managed in partnership by RSPB, Buglife & Land Trust, one of the 10 best nature reserves on reclaimed land

https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2020/jul/14/10-best-uk-nature-reserves-on-reclaimed-land-wildlife

Our trails and car park will open on Thursday July 16^th, and we will then be open from 9.30am to 5pm on Thursdays through to Sundays each week.

Please be mindful of our limited capacity. We urge our visitors to please stay local to your nearest reserves and greenspaces.

Anyone choosing to visit should observe all current government advice around social distancing and hygiene.

Some of our hides will be open - namely the…

The RSPB Rainham Marshes reserve will feature in this documentary tonight, on BBC4 at 9pm.

Whilst the reserve has been closed and lockdown has been underway, I wanted to provide an update on what has been happening on the reserve, to reassure you that it has not been neglected or forgotten about.

At the outset of lockdown back in late March, RSPB closed all our reserves, volunteers were sadly asked to not come in, staff worked from home where possible, and then were furloughed. As site manager, in common with…

Whilst our shop here at Rainham Marshes is not available, don't forget that our online shop is still available..

https://shopping.rspb.org.uk/

...helping you to garden for wildlife, feed your garden birds, get gifts and greetings card, and much more.

I found our first glow worm of the year earlier this week...

We know how much you’re looking forward to being able to visit Rainham Marshes again. We’re looking forward to seeing you! However, the reserve trails and visitor centre will continue to be kept closed to the public for now. We will only re-open when we have everything in place to keep our visitors, volunteers and employees safe.

We also have some species nesting close to our normally busy paths, so we need…

One key management task underway at the moment, is the use of pumps to maintain water levels. despite the run of warm weather during April and into May, water levels had held up well. But they have started to drop away now, so using pumps to move water around has been necessary this last two weeks or so. Keeping parts of the marsh wet, with lots of insect life in the damp mud, is vital to help breeding lapwing and redshank…

The #BigWildSleepOut is coming but not as we know it...this is the ‘Lockdown Edition!’ You’ve been loving your daytime wildlife and now is your chance to discover what comes out after dark. Join in from home on Sat 23 May - https://bit.ly/2zAww7l