RSPB Rainham Marshes

23/06/2026

126 different bird species were seen in May, bringing the 2026 total to 160.

The sighting of the month was the rare hepatic (rufous morph) Cuckoo (credit to Sean Vernell) . Amongst other unusual sightings were Glossy Ibis, Ring Ouzel and Whinchat (credit to Karen Fiske).

The Reserve’s residents and visitors included:
- 22 species of wader incl Temminck’s Stint and Wood Sandpiper
- 11 species of gull and tern inc. Little & Caspian Gulls and Black & Sandwich Terns
- 8 species of raptor including Hen Harrier, last seen at the Reserve in November 2024

23/06/2026

🐦 Don’t miss the chance to join us on the next guided birdwatching walk! Saturday 27th June 🌿
Whether you’re a first-time birdwatcher or keen to build your wildlife knowledge, our welcoming guides will help you identify birds, listen out for birdsong, and enjoy a peaceful walk surrounded by nature.

No experience needed — and binoculars are available to borrow too! 👀✨

Come along and see what amazing wildlife you can discover this weekend 🌅🎶

💬 Visitor comment:
“Excellent time and very good value for money”

💷 £8 members | £10 non-members | £3 children (12+)
👉 Book now: events.rspb.org.uk/rainhammarshes

23/06/2026

🍃 Discover Nature with Bill 🍃

Come along for a friendly guided nature walk, ideal for beginners and wildlife lovers alike.
We’ll be looking out for all sorts of local wildlife, including birds, butterflies, and even water voles if we’re lucky 🐦🦋🌿

Recent feedback says it all:
“Always a pleasure walking round with Bill, his knowledge and passion for nature really comes through. ”
"Loved it!"
A great way to enjoy the outdoors, ask questions, and discover the wildlife on your doorstep. Everyone welcome!

💷 £8 members | £10 non-members | £3 children (12+)
🎟 Book now: 👉 events.rspb.org.uk/rainhammarshes
🔭 Binoculars available to hire too!

22/06/2026

🐦 Calling all young birders! 🌿

Join us at RSPB Rainham Marshes for the next BTO Youth Young Birders Walk. This is a fantastic opportunity for young people interested in birds and wildlife to improve their identification skills, learn from experienced birders, and enjoy time out on the reserve with like-minded people. 🦆🔭

Whether you’re just starting out or already passionate about birdwatching, everyone is welcome!

🎟️ Follow the link below to book your place:
https://www.bto.org/our-work/events/bto-youth-rspb-rainham-marshes-young-birders-walk-topic-3-returning-waders

22/06/2026

21/06/2026

🪖 Did you know Rainham Marshes once played a key role in Britain's coastal defence?

Join our Military Walk and uncover the stories, structures and secrets of the reserve's fascinating past with guides from the Purfleet Heritage & Military Centre.

"Brilliant, very interesting. Thank you"

💷 Cost:
• RSPB & PH&MC members: £12
• Non-members: £15

Step back in time and discover a side of Rainham Marshes that few visitors get to see.

21/06/2026

🌿 Join us at Rainham Marshes for our foreshore Thames litter pick!
Help clear the shoreline, protect wildlife, and give something back to the river 🌊♻️
Everyone welcome — gloves, bags & litter pickers provided!
Meet at Welcome desk.

20/06/2026

🐦 Don’t miss the chance to join us on the next guided birdwatching walk! Saturday 27th June 🌿
Whether you’re a first-time birdwatcher or keen to build your wildlife knowledge, our welcoming guides will help you identify birds, listen out for birdsong, and enjoy a peaceful walk surrounded by nature.

No experience needed — and binoculars are available to borrow too! 👀✨

Come along and see what amazing wildlife you can discover this weekend 🌅🎶

💬 Visitor comment:
“It really is an excellent morning!!Definitely will come again”

💷 £8 members | £10 non-members | £3 children (12+)
👉 Book now: events.rspb.org.uk/rainhammarshes

19/06/2026

RSPB Butterfly Walk
We’re excited to be running this popular event again this year! 🦋 One past visitor described it as “It was a lovely walk, thank you so much!”

Butterflies are a powerful symbol of transformation, and summer is the perfect time to see them in action. Join our expert guide to explore their beauty and learn about the many other fascinating species that thrive on the reserve.

💷 Members £12 | Non-members £15 | Children (12yrs+) £5
🎟️ Book now: events.rspb.org.uk/rainhammarshes