The site is designated as part of the Inner Thames Marshes Site of Special Scientific Interest and not only does it preserve a wealth of wildlife but this is combined with a surprising history dating back to time when the Celts and Saxons used the marshes for summer grazing. Even to this day there is a farmer still grazing cattle on Purfleet marshes at the other end.
The grasslands, fringing reed beds and network of ditches here support a number of rare plants, insects and birds and are also home to a large population of water voles. In summer listen out for the reed and sedge warbler or large flocks of lapwing overhead during the winter.
Location
Special plants and animals
Plants including golden dock, scarce emerald damselfly, water voles and birds including lapwing, sedge and reed warbler.
Access
The site will shortly be accessible via the Rainham to Purfleet path (section 24 of the London Loop circular walking route around London). This is a hardened pathway - approximately 5km - suitable for bicycles, pushchairs and wheelchairs which currently leads from the RSPB visitors centre at Purfleet to the site.
Parking
There are two car parks located off Coldharbour Lane.