This summer your adventure starts with us - explore the reserve and have a fabulous family adventure.

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  Wild in the Woods - picture by Louise Moss

What's on this summer? We have a Wild in the Woods - a Forest School inspired event for 18 month olds - 8 years!

Forest School inspired activity aims to inspire children through nature, building their confidence and self esteem and encouraging individual growth.

Whether they're trying wildlife inspired arts and crafts, building, climbing, bug hunting or making mud pies; children from 18 months to 8 years will have fun learning through play at their own pace, supported by our experienced outdoor educators.

  • Tuesday 10 August, 10 am-12 noon
  • Wednesday 18 August, 10 am-12 noon
  • £7.50 per child
  • Booking required

Booking is required - go to rspb.org.uk/bigwildsummer and search for Rainham

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  Pond dipping by Eleanor Bentall (rspb-images.com)

Pond dipping will be available during the summer holidays (on Tuesday's and Wednesday's through the summer holiday). Beneath the surface of the water, there's an unseen world of amazing wildlife ready to be discovered. Get dipping!

Pond dipping is great fun and reveals all sorts of interesting creatures that live in even the smallest of ponds. What's lurking in the depths of a pond near you? Maybe a mysterious alien-like dragonfly nymph, or a great diving beetle perhaps! 

Enjoy pond-dipping at our Marshland Discovery Zone. Investigate what creatures you can find living in our ponds - you don't need to bring any equipment, we’ll have everything you need.

Pond dipping starts at 10.30 am or 2 pm. We suggest arriving half an hour early to give you time to collect your tickets and get to our special pond dipping area, and you can take part in the self-guided trail on the way!

  • Wednesdays and Thursdays in August
  • 10.30 am-12 noon or 2-3.30pm
  • £4 per child - spaces are limited!
  • Booking required (go here to book)

Booking is required - go to rspb.org.uk/bigwildsummer and search for Rainham

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Explore the reserve with our  trails - can you solve the clues and be a wild explorer? Activity packs will help you explore the reserve - these include a nature book, trail sheet, pencil and certificate so you are all ready for your adventure. Activity packs cost £3.50 (card only please) and is available all through the summer, just turn up and ask at reception.

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You can also get yourself ready by picking up a picnic from our cafe - you can treat yourself to hot or cold drinks, snacks and everything you need for your picnic too!

Pop into our shop - not only can you buy some wonderful things for the wildlife in your garden, you can find books, gifts and even some things to help you on your adventure like a minibeasting kit, binoculars or bird book.

If you are looking for a pair of binoculars our optics experts will be onsite every weekend to answer any questions and show you some of our wonderful range.

On your marks… get set… and GO!