Rainham Marshes nature reserve
About this good practice
The grazing marshland now has high biodiversity levels; is an important place for wildlife recognised through its designation as a Site of Special Scientific Interest; an outdoor education role, and an environmentally friendly visitor centre featuring solar panels, rainwater harvesting, natural light and ventilation systems and ground heat exchange system. The site educates visitors about the natural environment and includes sheltered viewing spots, hides and all-weather footpaths; raises awareness of environmental issues, and the opportunity to see wildlife close London.
Habitat management includes grazing cattle and managing water levels to create tussocky wet grassland, reedbeds and semi-permanent pools to support important plant species such as golden dock. Managing the ditch systems also benefits reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates, and has one of the country’s densest water vole populations. Specific improvement projects include the Veolia North Thames Trust gave £100,000 for a 2.6 mile long fence around Wennington Marsh to protect nesting lapwing chicks from foxes.
The reserve is free to access for residents of LB Havering and LB Thurrock and RSPB members and a small entry fee for members of the public.
Expert opinion
The Nature Restoration Law is the first continent-wide, comprehensive law of its kind. It is a key element of the EU Biodiversity Strategy, which sets binding targets to restore degraded ecosystems, in particular those with the most potential to capture and store carbon and to prevent and reduce the impact of natural disasters. While wetlands cover a small percentage of land, they are crucial ecosystems and the primary source of freshwater. They prevent floods, droughts and shoreline erosion, purify water, recycle nutrients, maintain groundwater level, provide important biodiversity habitats and are central to agriculture and fisheries. Wetlands are also the world’s most effective carbon sink. Rainham Marshes Nature Reserve is a vital green space within the urban context of East London, providing a haven for wildlife and a recreational resource for the public. It plays an important role in wetland conservation, biodiversity protection, and community engagement. Its birdlife, diverse habitats, and the work done to restore this once-industrial landscape make it an important example of urban nature conservation, and an essential part of London’s green infrastructure.
Resources needed
£931k ERDF grant used to transform into nature reserve, including building of £2m visitor centre.
Maintenance funded by entry fees/ café or activities, and supported by volunteers.
Other organisations have funded specific pro
Evidence of success
• The innovative visitor centre, designed by van Heyningen & Haward Architects, achieved BREEAM ‘Excellent’ standards, and is carbon neutral in operation
• Biodiversity levels have significantly increased. 270 species of bird have been recorded on the site, as well as 31 species of butterfly, 29 species of dragonfly and many other insects and water voles
• The site has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest
Potential for learning or transfer
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB)