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We had a wonderful time at Rainham Marshes, made all the more enjoyable by the affability and knowledge of Ben. Very much looking forward to the next one. A & P D from Leicestershire
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London's Rainham Marshes (Day Trip)
Tour Code: GBR162Explore the wetlands, woodlands and meadows of the RSPB's Rainham Marshes Nature Reserve.
1 days
from
£50
£50
Highlights
Tour Itinerary and Reports
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Summary
Rainham Marshes, on the Thames Estuary in Essex, is one of the most impressive wetland reserves in the London area. Protecting an expansive 411 hectares of ancient grazing marsh, wet grassland, scrub and reedbeds, the reserve supports significant numbers of wetland breeding birds, as well as an important population of the endangered Water Vole. Once a military firing range, Rainham is now an excellent place to observe resident species such as Lapwing, Redshank, Bearded Tit, Little Egret, Reed Bunting, Cetti’s Warbler and Marsh Harrier. Several pairs of Peregrine breed locally, and woodland areas support a range of common birds such as Great Spotted Woodpecker. In the spring and autumn a wide variety of migrant waders and passerines pass through on their way north and south including Ruff, Spotted Redshank, Whinchat, Yellow Wagtail and the occasional Garganey and Spoonbill. The winter months see an arrival of wildfowl, waders, thrushes and finches and even a Short-eared Owl or two some years, whilst Common Seals are often seen hauled out on the mudflats of the Thames. We will walk around 6 miles in total over the course of the day, all at a leisurely pace with frequent stops and will meet at 9.30am, finishing around 5pm.
The tour cost does not include the reserve entrance fee of £6 for non-RSPB members.
- Explore one of London’s finest nature reserves
- An interesting mix of habitats including wet meadows, reedbeds, saltmarsh, woodland & freshwater lagoons
- Raptors such as Marsh Harrier, Peregrine & Hobby possible
- Look for Bearded Tit, Cetti’s Warbler & Reed Bunting
- Diverse wildfowl, and the chance of passage migrants in spring
- Rainham is a stronghold for Water Vole
- Led by an expert Naturetrek naturalist
Day Trip Location
Reviews
Dates & Prices
2026
Departures
Availability
Cost
Sat 7th Mar – Sat 7th Mar
SPACES
£50
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£50
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
Samuel Levy
Tour Leader: Samuel Levy
Samuel is currently studying for a masters in Biodiversity Conservation at Bournemouth University after having grown up in North London. He has been interested in wildlife since he was 8 years old when a trip to the countryside inspired an interest in the natural world and birdwatching. Ever keen to visit the world’s avian hotspots, in recent years Samuel has searched for birds in a number of European destinations and further afield. Prior to the pandemic he visited the coast of New England and Costa Rica where we relished views of Resplendent Quetzal, one of the most beautiful birds in the world. One of Samuel’s aims in life is to help others to become involved in the natural world and wildlife and as such, he is currently on the Youth Advisory Panel of the British Trust for Ornithology as well as being an ambassador for the Cameron Bespolka Trust which helps to inspire the next generation of young naturalists. Samuel’s favourite species of bird is the Kingfisher, a species that helps to fill his passion and drive for the natural world.
Sat 21st Mar – Sat 21st Mar
SPACES
£50
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£50
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
Samuel Levy
Tour Leader: Samuel Levy
Samuel is currently studying for a masters in Biodiversity Conservation at Bournemouth University after having grown up in North London. He has been interested in wildlife since he was 8 years old when a trip to the countryside inspired an interest in the natural world and birdwatching. Ever keen to visit the world’s avian hotspots, in recent years Samuel has searched for birds in a number of European destinations and further afield. Prior to the pandemic he visited the coast of New England and Costa Rica where we relished views of Resplendent Quetzal, one of the most beautiful birds in the world. One of Samuel’s aims in life is to help others to become involved in the natural world and wildlife and as such, he is currently on the Youth Advisory Panel of the British Trust for Ornithology as well as being an ambassador for the Cameron Bespolka Trust which helps to inspire the next generation of young naturalists. Samuel’s favourite species of bird is the Kingfisher, a species that helps to fill his passion and drive for the natural world.
Sat 16th May – Sat 16th May
SPACES
£50
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£50
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
Samuel Levy
Tour Leader: Samuel Levy
Samuel is currently studying for a masters in Biodiversity Conservation at Bournemouth University after having grown up in North London. He has been interested in wildlife since he was 8 years old when a trip to the countryside inspired an interest in the natural world and birdwatching. Ever keen to visit the world’s avian hotspots, in recent years Samuel has searched for birds in a number of European destinations and further afield. Prior to the pandemic he visited the coast of New England and Costa Rica where we relished views of Resplendent Quetzal, one of the most beautiful birds in the world. One of Samuel’s aims in life is to help others to become involved in the natural world and wildlife and as such, he is currently on the Youth Advisory Panel of the British Trust for Ornithology as well as being an ambassador for the Cameron Bespolka Trust which helps to inspire the next generation of young naturalists. Samuel’s favourite species of bird is the Kingfisher, a species that helps to fill his passion and drive for the natural world.
Sat 27th Jun – Sat 27th Jun
5
£50
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£50
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
Samuel Levy
Tour Leader: Samuel Levy
Samuel is currently studying for a masters in Biodiversity Conservation at Bournemouth University after having grown up in North London. He has been interested in wildlife since he was 8 years old when a trip to the countryside inspired an interest in the natural world and birdwatching. Ever keen to visit the world’s avian hotspots, in recent years Samuel has searched for birds in a number of European destinations and further afield. Prior to the pandemic he visited the coast of New England and Costa Rica where we relished views of Resplendent Quetzal, one of the most beautiful birds in the world. One of Samuel’s aims in life is to help others to become involved in the natural world and wildlife and as such, he is currently on the Youth Advisory Panel of the British Trust for Ornithology as well as being an ambassador for the Cameron Bespolka Trust which helps to inspire the next generation of young naturalists. Samuel’s favourite species of bird is the Kingfisher, a species that helps to fill his passion and drive for the natural world.
Sat 4th Jul – Sat 4th Jul
SPACES
£50
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£50
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
Samuel Levy
Tour Leader: Samuel Levy
Samuel is currently studying for a masters in Biodiversity Conservation at Bournemouth University after having grown up in North London. He has been interested in wildlife since he was 8 years old when a trip to the countryside inspired an interest in the natural world and birdwatching. Ever keen to visit the world’s avian hotspots, in recent years Samuel has searched for birds in a number of European destinations and further afield. Prior to the pandemic he visited the coast of New England and Costa Rica where we relished views of Resplendent Quetzal, one of the most beautiful birds in the world. One of Samuel’s aims in life is to help others to become involved in the natural world and wildlife and as such, he is currently on the Youth Advisory Panel of the British Trust for Ornithology as well as being an ambassador for the Cameron Bespolka Trust which helps to inspire the next generation of young naturalists. Samuel’s favourite species of bird is the Kingfisher, a species that helps to fill his passion and drive for the natural world.
Mon 31st Aug – Mon 31st Aug
SPACES
£50
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£50
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
Samuel Levy
Tour Leader: Samuel Levy
Samuel is currently studying for a masters in Biodiversity Conservation at Bournemouth University after having grown up in North London. He has been interested in wildlife since he was 8 years old when a trip to the countryside inspired an interest in the natural world and birdwatching. Ever keen to visit the world’s avian hotspots, in recent years Samuel has searched for birds in a number of European destinations and further afield. Prior to the pandemic he visited the coast of New England and Costa Rica where we relished views of Resplendent Quetzal, one of the most beautiful birds in the world. One of Samuel’s aims in life is to help others to become involved in the natural world and wildlife and as such, he is currently on the Youth Advisory Panel of the British Trust for Ornithology as well as being an ambassador for the Cameron Bespolka Trust which helps to inspire the next generation of young naturalists. Samuel’s favourite species of bird is the Kingfisher, a species that helps to fill his passion and drive for the natural world.
Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?
For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.
Enquire
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