Rainham Marshes Nature Reserve
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Rainham Marshes is an RSPB nature reserve adjacent to the Thames Estuary in Purfleet, Thurrock east of London. In 2000, the area of land was bought from the Ministry of Defence, who used it as a test firing range. With no activity for several years, the nature reserve was officially opened to the public in 2006. It has maintained much of its Medieval landscape, and is the largest area of wetland on the upper parts of the Thames Estuary.
The reserve is home to a diverse range of bird species, wetland plants and insects. It also has one of the most dense water vole populations in the country. In December 2005, the site was visited by a Sociable Lapwing; over 1,700 people visited the reserve to see this bird. Late in the bird's stay, four Penduline Tits were also found at the site.
The site is home to an environmentally friendly visitor centre which features solar panels, rainwater harvesting, natural light and ventilation and a ground heat exchange system.[1] Entrance to the site is free to residents of Thurrock and the London Borough of Havering.[2]
[edit] References
[edit] External links
- RSBP - Rainham Marshes
