Highlights from the marshes

West Canvey Marsh2 black-necked grebes, pair found on the fleet reservoir during the morninig
1 Cuckoo
2 Mediterranean Gulls

Pitsea scrape (Wat Tyler Country Park)32 Black-tailed Godwits
2 cetti's Warbler

Vange Marsh
1 grasshopper warbler ('reeling' on the former county tip, a second bird was also reported on the reserve during the morning 'reeling' near the eastern green gate)
2 Cetti's Warbler
1 Cuckoo
1 Peregrine

West Canvey Marsh

The weather could not have been better as the gates to the reserve were opened to the public for the first time. A beautiful warm sunny day attracted a stream of visitors throughout the day. Birds seen during the day included a Wheatear along the seawall, three Yellow Wagtails catching insects disturbed by the cattle. Three Lesser Whitethroat sang from the hedgerows and a Mediterranean Gull bathing in front of the far hide. Across the reserve the song of skylarks delighted the many visitors.

Mediterranean gull, jet black head with bright red bill with black-headed gulls in the foreground

West Canvey Marsh opens to public

We’ve dusted the ducks, polished the playground and watered the wetland - West Canvey Marsh is opening to the public this weekend.

A great day out with nature, the brand new 250 hectare site boasts a lagoon, wildlife trails and an adventure playground - made from all natural materials to allow kids to scramble and climb.

Also sharing the space is lots of wildlife from  Water Voles and Hedgehogs to butterflies and birds, including the highest density of breeding Redshank in Essex.

West Canvey marsh offers a great chance to watch some waders in the new hides and take a stroll through the unique landscape of Canvey Island.

Gates open on Saturday at 9 am and why not join us on Saturday May 22 for our Wildlife fun day, Fun for all the family.