This site is the largest remaining expanse of wetland bordering the upper reaches of the Thames Estuary. The majority is now managed as a nature reserve by the RSPB, although it was designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest as long ago as 1986. It is one of the few remaining ancient landscapes in London and its previous use by the Ministry of Defence has meant that much of the original landscape has remained undisturbed.The site’s habitats include reedbeds, grasslands, drainage ditches and seasonally wet areas. Sheep and cattle graze the reserve to maintain a range of suitable grassland habitats and are a central part of the land management regime. The water levels and other habitats are also managed to make the place as attractive as possible for wildlife.
Local Wildlife Site
Accessible Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation
Wennington, Aveley and Rainham Marshes
Borough: Havering
Grade: Metropolitan
Access: Public access (entry fee)
Area: 415.36 ha
Description
Wildlife
The grasslands support several uncommon plants including the nationally scarce divided sedge, a characteristic species of the Thames Estuary. In the drainage ditches and seasonally wet areas are further uncommon plants; marsh and golden docks, soft hornwort, brackish water-crowfoot, as well as the nationally scarce stiff saltmarsh-grass.The site is of year-round importance to birds and is a must for birdwatchers - in 2006 over 170 different bird species were seen here, including several of conservation concern. Breeding species include lapwing, redshank, reed and sedge warblers, reed bunting and yellow wagtail.A large number of butterflies, dragonflies, beetles, molluscs, grasshoppers and spiders live on the reserve. Amongst these are many nationally rare species, such as the scarce emerald damselfly, Duffey's bell-head spider, and several water beetles and wetland moths. Also present is a large population of the brown-banded carder-bee, a rapidly declining species across the UK.The marshes are a nationally important site for the specially-protected water vole, and one of London's few sites supporting water shrews.Facilities
Information (at the sustainably designed and award-winning Environment and Education Centre); cafe; shop; toilet; classroom; car-park.The London LOOP overlooks the site alongside the Thames between Rainham and Purfleet.
View of Rainham Marshes © RSPB Images
The flooded gate road into Rainham Marshes © RSPB Images
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