Fast forward to October, and after more engagement events in the meantime, we went on our first trips to nature reserves- this time, to the fantastic Rainham Marshes, on the East London / Essex border, right on the banks of the Thames.
Picking up and dropping off at each estate, we took the minibus out for fantastic days learning about birds - by watching them from the paths, from the special hides and from the very cosy, glass-fronted visitors centre (tea and cake all round - luxury birding!). The reserve has a variety of habitats that are very important to birds which live in, or visit London - reedbeds, marshes, lakes, ponds, scrub, grassland and woodland to name just a few.
Everybody had a great time, and thanks to Howard (Rainham's Information Officer) for giving us the special treatment - making bird-feeders, free goodies and a very informative chat about why urban nature reserves are so important.
