Description
West Canvey Marsh is a network of wet grassland, reed beds and scrapes with approx two miles of nature trails with 3 viewing points.
Notable Species
All Year
Little Grebe
Grey Heron
Little Egret
Shellduck
Gadwall
Shoveler
Marsh Harrier
Sparrowhawk
Snipe
Redshank
Oystercatcher
Reed Bunting
Linnet
Spring
Willow Warbler
Blackcap
Common Whitethroat
Sedge Warbler
Reed Warbler
Common Swift
Barn Swallow
House Martin
Sand Martin
Common Sandpiper
Green Sandpiper
Summer
Chiffchaff
Willow Warbler
Blackcap
Common Whitethroat
Sedge Warbler
Reed Warbler
Common Swift
Barn Swallow
House Martin
Sand Martin
Hobby
Autumn
Grey Plover
Golden Plover
Dunlin
Whimbrel
Curlew
Green Sandpiper
Wood Sandpiper
Teal
Wigeon
Whinchat
Winter
Greenshank
Grey Plover
Golden Plover
Dunlin
Curlew
Black-tailed Godwit
Tufted Duck
Teal
Wigeon
Past rarities include
Red-backed Shrike
Paragraphs
Short trail
This 0.8 km (0.5 mile) trail includes the roadside hide to overlook the lagoon and circles the grassland/hedgerow. The path on two sides is wide and hard surfaced.
Main trail
This 3.2 km (2 miles) trail takes in grazing marsh, lagoons, grassland and the sea wall beside the creek with 2 hides and various viewing points along the way. With the exception of the seawall all paths are wide and hard surfaced
Note that there are kissing gates along this route, wheelchair users may use a RADAR key for access.
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Map
Facilities
Location
Canvey Road, Canvey Island, SS80QR
Map reference
TQ 774 842
Opening times
Open daily except Christmas day, Boxing day and New Years day.
Public Transport
Nearest train station: Benfleet (1.9 km/1.2 miles)
Nearest bus stop: Canvey Village, Bus No.21 from Benfleet train station, bus No. 26 from Southend, bus No. 15 from Basildon.
Contact Details
Tel: 01268 498620
email: southessex@rspb.org.uk