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Don't give up...
Because you want to burn bright
If darkness blinds you
I...I will shine to guide you
~ Josh Groban (You Are Loved - Don't Give Up)
Painted for Living Walls Conference in Albany NY 2011.
Im currently on the road, working on the CRYSTAL EYES project. We made a blog that will be frequently updated with photos and video: www.crystaleyesproject.blogspot.com
I also, have many new updates to come. Lots of wall paintings and photos.
We are also in the process of corresponding to all of you who have donated to Crystal Eyes. Thanks for your energy and patience. Be well, happy Autumn.
www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/r/rainhammarshes/index.aspx
www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/guide/r/rainhammarshes/about.aspx
One of very few ancient landscapes remaining in London, these medieval marshes right next to the River Thames were closed to the public for over 100 years and used as a military firing range.
We managed to acquire the site in 2000 and set about transforming it into an important place for nature and a great place for people to visit. Now you can expect to see breeding wading birds in spring and summer, and large flocks of wild ducks in winter.
Birds of prey and rare birds are regularly seen too. There are also water voles in the ditches and rare dragonflies flit across the boardwalks.
There is an innovative visitor centre, with huge picture-windows that look out across the marshes. It is full of environmentally friendly features and already boasts a handful of prestigious architectural awards.
There is also a shop and café and a new wildlife garden and children's adventure play area too. A full events programme offers something for everyone, and while we still have several years to go to finish all the visitor features out on the reserve, it is already an incredible transformation. Boardwalks throughout the reserve give access for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
Opening times
From 1 November to 31 January, we're open from 9.30 am - 4.30 pm. From 1 February to 31 October, it's 9.30 am - 5 pm. We're closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Entrance charges
Car park: voluntary £1 donation. Reserve: Free to RSPB members and residents of Havering and Thurrock. Non-members: £3 adult, £1.50 child, £9 family (two adults and up to four children). There are extra costs for some events - please check when you book.
If you are new to birdwatching...
Birds are easy to see year round. The reserve runs a number of regular events for birdwatchers throughout the year, from novice to expert, including weekly Wednesday guided birding walk with Howard Vaughan, dawn chorus walks, winter spectacle birding event, a new birdwatching club for children, February's flock bird event and spring walks. There are also designated open days and weekends. Please see the events pages for further information.
Information for families
There is an evolving events and walks programme specially designed for families, with activities for all. All the reserve's paths and boardwalks are family and wheelchair friendly. There are also Adventure and Toddler's Playgrounds.
Information for dog owners
No dogs allowed, except registered assistance dogs. However, dogs are allowed on the Thames riverside path - a public footpath and cycleway running adjacent to the reserve.
Star species
Our star species are some of the most interesting birds you may see on your visit to the reserve.
Avocet
The delicate forms and and piping 'kluit' calls of avocets are becoming a more and more frequent site at Rainham throughout the year.
Lapwing
Lapwings from different places visit Rainham Marshes during the year. Wintering birds are replaced by breeding birds in spring and other birds that have bred further north pass through in summer and autumn.
Little egret
Little egrets can now be seen here in large numbers right throughout the year. Dispersing juvenile birds lead to a sudden rise in numbers in late summer and autumn.
Peregrine
The large concentrations of wildfowl and waders regularly attract hunting peregrines - especially in autumn and winter.
Ringed plover
These neatly banded waders can be seen performing their 'run and stop' feeding routine here.
Seasonal highlights
Each season brings a different experience at our nature reserves. In spring, the air is filled with birdsong as they compete to establish territories and attract a mate. In summer, look out for young birds making their first venture into the outside world. Autumn brings large movements of migrating birds - some heading south to a warmer climate, others seeking refuge in the UK from the cold Arctic winter. In winter, look out for large flocks of birds gathering to feed, or flying at dusk to form large roosts to keep warm.
Spring
Wheatears, stonechats, oystercatchers, hobbies, curlews, swifts, sand martins, house martins, warblers, marsh harriers, reed buntings, water and short-tailed voles, damselflies, marsh frogs, grass snakes, water shrews.
Summer
Black-tailed godwits, whimbrels, greenshanks, snipe, little egrets, dunlins, lapwings, teals, swifts, common sandpipers, ruffs, starlings, avocets, yellow wagtails, oystercatchers, yellow-legged gulls, bank and water voles, water shrews, marsh frogs, wasp spiders, red foxes.
Autumn
Marsh harriers, arctic terns, bearded tits, thrushes, finches, skylarks, meadow pipits, jackdaws, stonechats, hen harriers, goshawks, merlins, peregrines, short-eared owls, barn owls, avocets, black-tailed godwits, white fronted geese, pintails, wigeons, crickets, butterflies, dragonflies, damselflies, stoats, weasels, red foxes.
Winter
Bullfinches, ringed plovers, oystercatchers, golden plovers, water and rock pipits, little egrets, snipe, chiffchaffs, curlews, lapwings, dunlins, redshanks, shelducks, peregrines, kingfishers, short-eared owls, red foxes, stoats, weasels.
Facilities
Visitor centre
Car park
Toilets
Disabled toilets
Baby-changing facilities
Picnic area
Group bookings accepted
Guided walks available
Good for walking
Pushchair friendly
Viewing points
Currently two bird hides, family orientated Marshland Discovery Zone and several open viewing areas.
Nature trails
There are a network of nature trails currently in place, which are utilised for specific guided walks and events. There are approximately 2.5 miles plus of nature boardwalks, all designed for wheelchair and pushchair access.
Refreshments available
Hot drinks
Cold drinks
Sandwiches
Snacks
Shop
The shop stocks:
Binoculars and telescopes
Books
Bird food
Bird feeders
Nestboxes
Outdoor clothing
Educational facilities
The Education team offer a comprehensive and exciting array of curriculum linked field study visits for all school levels. We have Woodland, Reedbed and Marshland Discovery Zones, an Environment and Education centre, fully equipped classrooms, specific study areas, pond dipping areas and lots more. It's a safe and inspiring environment to get close to nature. A selection of lifelong learning courses on a variety of topics are run throughout the year, along with a range of children's activities, including holiday clubs. Please contact us for further details.
Cafe
Our cafe gives magnificent views not only over the ancient wildlife-filled grazing marsh, but also across Old Father Thames which flows majestically past the window. It is the perfect place to relax after exploring our nature trails or as a respite stop after the hustle and bustle of shopping nearby.
We serve our own exclusive coffee that is grown, imported and roasted by us. It's Fairtrade, organic and certified bird-friendly by the Smithsonian Institute, so now you can help save nature simply by enjoying a great cup of coffee!
Whether you are after a refreshing cuppa and a slice of our fabulous home-made cake, or a filling sandwich, panini or jacket potato, you will find something to tickle your taste buds. We look forward to seeing you soon!
Opening hours
From 1 November-31 March, we're open from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm. From 1 April-31 October it's 9.30 am to 5 pm. We're closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Highlights from our menu:-
Fabulous home-made cakes
Locally-made soup
Freshly-prepared jacket potatoes with a variety of fillings
Locally-baked pies and pasties
Made-to-order toasties, paninis and sandwiches
Lovely cafe with warming soup and fantastic cake. Yummy!
Access to the cafe
The cafe is fully wheelchair-friendly.
Children welcome
We're happy to serve smaller portions and we can also warm baby food in the microwave.
We use local ingredients
All produce is sourced locally where possible, including ham, bacon, sausages, soup and pies.
Dietary requirements
Jacket potatoes, sandwiches etc all have veggie options, as well as a veggie pastry. We have vegan meals. The soup and jacket potatoes are wheat-free; some gluten-free cakes are available.
Accessibility
8 August 2013
This is a Summary Access Statement. A full access statement is available to download from the webpage.
Before you visit
Clear print site leaflet available from our reserve reception
Free entry for RSPB members, residents of Havering and Thurrock. For other visitors admission charges apply. Carer or essential companion admitted free with disabled visitor
No dogs. Registered Assistance dogs only
Visitor Centre, car park and reserve trails are open 9.30 am to 4.30 pm from 1 November-31 March and 9.30 am to 5 pm from 1 April-31 October; closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day
Check accessibility for events and activities.
How to get here
Purfleet Railway Station is a 15 minute walk to reserve
Bus stops near the reserve entrance.
Car parking
110 spaces and seven Blue Badge spaces
Gates locked at 5 pm
Surface is loose gravel
No formal drop-off point
No height restrictions.
Visitor centre and shop
Ground floor shop, slight slope to heavy door with 10 mm lip, normally open. Assistance bell. Non-slip tiles. Reasonable lighting. Some display units tall or deep. Pen and paper available. Bird seed bins are outside the shop.
The visitor centre and cafe are on first floor, accessed by a long ramp left of Blue Badge parking. Entry by two sets of double heavy doors opening outwards. No threshold. NOTE JUNE 2012, power assistance is out of order so an alternative bell is provided.
Step-free, level access throughout and non-slip tiles. Lowered counter section. Good lighting. Pen and paper available. Binocular hire. Staff available to assist.
Nature trails
Three signposted trails, a mix of flat gravel surface paths and boardwalks. Information boards in large print. Trails start at the visitor centre across a short section of non slip grill with a short steep section. You can leave the reserve part way round and along the River Thames. Use the one way turnstile or gate (Gate key code available from reception)
Viewing facilities
Four hides on the circular walk. None on the Woodland walk. All level entry either adapted for wheelchair spaces or designed for everyone to gain the same great views. Marshland Discovery Zone has touch interpretation. Shooting Butts Hide has 14 stairs and a lift.
Toilets and baby changing facilities
Accessible toilet on ground and first floors (Baby changing in first floor)
Catering
Café on first floor. Good lighting. Non slip tile flooring. Self-service. Menus are clear print. Staff available to assist.
Picnic area
Eleven tables with wheelchair spaces, on soft and hard surfaces, level ground behind visitor centre. Alternatively, a table in the adventure playground and toddler's play area. Visitors are welcome to consume their own food and drink here.
Education facilities
Education team offer a wide and exciting array of curriculum linked field study visits at our Environment and Education centre, fully equipped classrooms, specific study areas, pond dipping areas.
Help us improve accessibility by sending feedback to the Site Manager.
For more information
Rainham Marshes
E-mail: rainham.marshes@rspb.org.uk
Telephone:01708 899840
RM19 1SZ
How to get here
By train
The nearest railway station to this reserve is Purfleet. Purfleet train station is on the C2C line from Fenchurch Street. The reserve is a 15 minute walk from the station following the brown pedestrian signs along the riverside path. Turn right out of the station and then join the path at the Royal Pub. Follow the Riverside path and then cross the Mardyke Bridge to the Visitor Centre.
By bus
The ensignbus 44 bus route which runs between Lakeside and Orsett Hospital, Grays, stops near the reserve entrance on New Tank Hill Road. This bus runs every hour and up to 30 minutes during peak periods. The service is operated by Ensignbus (01708 865656).
By road
The reserve is located off New Tank Hill Road (A1090) in Purfleet which is just off the A1306 between Rainham and Lakeside. This is accessible from the Aveley, Wennington and Purfleet junction off the A13 and J30/31 of the M25.
Cycling at Rainham Marshes
RSPB Rainham Marshes is just a stone's throw from London, easily accessible by public transport, on foot and by bike. Located on ancient marshland nestled beside the river Thames, it really is a special place to enjoy the great outdoors.
The reserve itself offers a leisurely amble in a superb setting with fantastic facilities such as an award-winning, eco-friendly visitor centre with cafe and shop.
If cycling is your thing, a brand new cycle route links the villages of Purfleet and Rainham. This runs beside the reserve, following the Thames, looping round and passing the stone barges.
Both on the reserve and along the riverside path, you will see a variety of interesting, sometimes rare, birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians as well as bugs and beasties of all kinds. You will also be able to learn so much of the history and importance of this area.
Our work here
Rainham Marshes protects an ancient, low-lying grazing marsh in the Thames Estuary. Its complex of wet grassland and ditches, together with rank grassland and scrub, supports many breeding and wintering birds.
Wildlife also includes scarce wetland plants and insects, and a key population of the nationally declining water vole.
The site has a history of neglect, but the RSPB is working to restore important habitats and improve their biodiversity. This will transform a former wasteland into an important natural asset, and help raise public awareness of local conservation issues.
Managing the marsh
Birdlife on the marsh includes breeding waders, such as lapwing, redshank and snipe, as well as important numbers of wintering wildfowl, waders, finches and birds of prey.
We plan to enhance the habitat for these birds by creating a mosaic of unflooded tussocky grassland, flooded short grassland and semi-permanent pools. This will also benefit important plant species, such as golden dock.
Meanwhile we will improve the ditch system for the benefit of water voles, reptiles and amphibians, invertebrates and breeding birds.
Leaving well alone
We will leave the areas of tall rank grass and scattered scrub unmanaged in order to retain their existing conservation value. Wildlife in these habitats includes small mammals, reptiles and invertebrates, and birds such as wintering short-eared owls and breeding stonechats.
We will also look after sandy areas for their specialist insect life.
Silt lagoons
Lagoons on the reserves are currently used for commercial silt dredging. We will work around this in order re-create and maintain a complex of brackish lagoons and reed-swamp for important wildlife, including breeding, wintering and passage waterfowl.
While some lagoons will remain operational, we will manage others rotationally and keep the rest permanently open.
Access for all
We aim to make the site accessible to everyone, without impinging on the dredging operation or compromising our conservation priorities. We will develop and promote the reserve as a major visitor attraction and centre for environmental education. We aim to encourage interest in local and general conservation, and create a broader understanding of the work of the RSPB.
Funding
Current work is being funded by the EU’s Interreg IVA Two Seas Cross-border Cooperation Programme 2007-2013, Homes and Communities Agency’s Parklands Funding administered by Essex County Council, and Biffa Award and Veolia Cleanaway Havering Riverside Trust, both through the Landfill Communities Fund.
Thanks to help on the reserve from employees of Goldman Sachs, Royal Bank of Scotland, HSBC, Earthwatch, Barclays, Royal Mail, Family Mosaic, Ipsos Media we have been able to deliver more for wildlife and people at Rainham Marshes.
Gegenschein or counter glow is near the right lower quarter.
equipment: Sigma 35mmF1.4 DG HSM "Art" and Canon EOS 5Dmk2-sp2, modified by Seo san on Takahashi EM-200 Temma 2 Jr, autoguided with hiro-design off-axis guider, SX Lodestar, and PHD Guiding
exposure: 2 times x 30 minutes, 8 x 15 min, 4 x 4 min, and 5 x 1 minute at ISO 1,600 and f/4.0
site: 11,000 feet above sea level near Mauna Loa Observatory in Hawaii
. . . As the sun sets over Lake Michigan, the automated light at Little Sable Point comes to life! Built in 1874 after numerous wrecks on the big lake, it stands alone and is managed by a public group which allows tours in the summer months.
Have a great week Facebook, Flickr, and 500px friends!
1. At school I had an intense hatred for computers... All they ever did was crash or give me ominous warnings about the consequences of pressing even 1 more key! I’d do the same thing as my neighbour; theirs would be fine but mine would start sputtering angry messages at me. Luckily, I'm now competent and happy using them, apart from when I want to throw them out the window!
2. A lesson I enjoyed much more was Latin. I had the now unusual opportunity to study it to GCSE level. We did a 4 yr course in 2 yrs, even though it was tough sometimes, I'm always pleased I'd taken it, as it was so fascinating...
3.I don’t like heights. Well, I do like heights when viewed safely behind glass, metal or bricks. I’m perfectly happy in tall buildings, cable cars and planes... What I don’t like are heights where you have to rely on yourself to keep from falling. Like cliffs. My feet find it hard enough keeping me upright on a flat surface, never mind trusting them on a rocky cliff edge.
4.I’ve said I like reading before, so here are some of my favourite books/authors: Bill Bryson’s books, the Harry Potter series (admit it, we’d all like to learn magic rather than maths at school). “The Hitch-Hikers Guide to the Galaxy”, “Chronicles of Ancient Darkness” (about a boy who can talk to wolves – awesome!), “Merle’s Door”, “Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee”, “Falling Leaves”, “Never Cry Wolf” & “Lord of the Rings” are great! I love Austen, the Bronte’s and Dickens too.
5.When I buy books, I usually prefer looking in second hand book shops. I love the old book smell & you never know what you’re going to find hidden away in a dusty corner! I can happily spent hrs in an old book shop :)
6.I’m not very adventurous when it comes to food. It took me yrs to discover curry can be tasty and stir fries really aren’t frightening. As I’ve said before, I’m a veggie and have been my entire life. People always ask if I “miss” eating meat but honestly as I’ve never tried it; it never bothers me in the slightest. I’ll stick to “Quorn” :)
7. Talking of Quorn... (A meat substitute made from fungi, if you're wondering!). Before the development of "Quorn" scientists had gone all over the world looking for fungi or plants to create a new product for veggies and found nothing suitable... Then, eventually (presumably in desperation!) they collected a sample of a fungus growing happily on top of some goal posts next to their company building and discovered it was just perfect!! You’d think knowing Quorn comes from something found on a goal post would put me off eating it but strangely, it hasn’t!!
8.That last one wasn’t really a fact about me was it? I’m one of those easily distracted people who tend to suddenly veer completely off topic during conversations. Many times I’ve watched people's faces go blank in utter bemusement at a seemingly out of the blue comment, although of course, it always made sense in my head! If I ever do that when commenting on your photos, I’m sorry!!
9. I love drawing and have stacks and stacks of sketch books at home, most with barely any drawings in them. I am always getting new sketch pads & returning home to see half a dozen more tossed around my bedroom! It's really bad, I just can’t resist books full of blank, white paper...
10.I hate the taste of coffee but like the smell of it. I’m not quite sure why anyone would want to know that but there you go... Frankly I’m struggling to think of yet another 10 facts about me, hence the digression into the production of meat substitutes and my dislike of coffee ;-)
I'm very impressed with anyone who reads all that :) I know you're meant to Tag 10 more people when you've played this game but well, most have been tagged already and I'll be away anyway so would no doubt miss reading what people say!! My last upload till after I get back from holiday... Catch up with everyone when I get back :)
Reached Explore #341
The 2nd of my guides to Scotlands landscapes and this is one of my favourite locations...the beautiful glen of Strathfarrar. You can view my Guide here knol.google.com/k/colin-campbell/a-photographers-guide-to... and if you want to contribute to the Scotland site, click here freephotoguidesukscotland.blogspot.com/ or to see what this project is all about, click here freephotoguides.blogspot.com/ Still looking for country and regional admins!
A child holds the hands of the mother only for a short while, but touches the mother's heart forever
Machiavellian Guide.
Clignotant réputation présomptions de chuchotement vaines pensées de broyage arts,
schwerelosen Widersacher harten Willen kriechen Fragen künstlerischen Erliegen Beispiele Vollkommen,
Изначальная высокомерие обременительные ползучие борьба наказывая вдохов пение инновации гордость,
puredigaeth suddo bygwth a laddwyd anobeithio driciau llofruddiaethau olion athrylith bwyntiau unheeding,
demissam demergi totam circuli carceres maledictione furore scriptor timidus terreri desideria missas poetarum carminibus,
disconnette straordinarie grandeur scuole scavati di bellezza argini idiote abissi visibili dispiegarsi,
zidentyfikowania klimatyczne zagranicznego obejmujące idioci unnamable zagrożony panorama płakać tysięcy głosy,
άθλια μομφές ντροπή δηλητηριώδη απελπισμένοι ηδονή προδοσία καταδίκασε διαβολική εκφράσεις,
blestem coincidență elocvență tăcere exclamații suferință extinderi subordonarea fără sens a rostit,
拡大ダンジョンの質問に採用プライベートな会話は仰天の混乱マスター笑いに位置.
Steve.D.Hammond.
School starts next week and I haven't finished my summer assignments :/
I got super tan/burned at band camp, now my nose is starting to peel making it bright pink. I hate it when that happens.
I'm going through a episode where I have to put space stuff in my photos. I wonder how long it will last until I realize how overused it is.
I had to photoshop out a road, parking lot, and bathroom out of this photo. It was hard and still looks odd to me.
DB Cargo Class 60 No. 60066 passes Guide Bridge as it works the 6H52 12:59 Dowlow Briggs Sidings to Ashburys S.S. stone train on 11th February 2022.
Slightly more obvious guide
NB a lot of your questions can be answered very easily: The less you do from this list, the more likely you are to be removed from the pool. It's really that simple.
Incidentally, as some builder's may have noticed I'm quite precious about the wrench/spear combination. If you look at the pool you can see that it is a defining feature of most photographs which lends a nice cohesion to the photographs. Thus precious ;)
I will no longer be responding to caveracers. They've had their day and it is not today.
Oli on the right hand side, is trekking guide. Since Mount Rinjani is dangerous during wet season, he works on the gardens harvesting Cacao, Coffee, Avocados and many other things. While walking through the jungle the savvy man gave us a very interesting lecture. Now, during the dry season he leads customer through the national park. Over three days hiking over Mount Rinjani I got to know him and his culture better. Before leading trek, Oli wanted to be a porter so that he could understand the hardship of it. He told me with emotion that he cried after the first day. He did it for two years. He continues to have a great respect for his young porters. Each of them carry 25kg, walk barefoot or with flip-flops all the way. I tried myself at the beginning of the trek just to know what it is. It was quite a challenge but managed to do it the first day. But I had only 9kg on my back. Oli wears Adidas Trail shoes. He told me that he had the fix them all the time because these are bad quality. Adidas makes shoes for Indonesia but downgrade the quality to make products affordable to the locals. You can imagine how the shoes end-up with such use... He was looking at mine all the time. When I told him I'll give him after the trek he had such a big smile ear to ear, it was a pleasure to see him that happy. This photograph was shot at this very moment.
One of the many 'official guides' or 'handbooks' issued under the auspices of almost every UK local authority duringt he Twentieth Century and that included details of local administration, services, amenities and industries for both residents, visitors and prospective residents and investors. It is fair to say that this splendidly honest cover, showing the two main industries of the Yorkshire UDC of Rawmarsh, was not particularly aimed at holidaymakers!
The town, adjacent to the River Don, and situated close to Rotherham, into which borough it was amalgamated in the 1974 local government reorganisation, and was unashamedly built on coal, steel and chemicals. The major employer was the large Park Gate Iron & Steel Company, whose many products included colliery roof supports - important to the other major extractive industry. The works would continue to expand during the mid-20th Century with the development of the adjacent Aldwarke site. Another major steel company was that of Wm. Oxley of the Park Gate Steel Works.
The guide includes some photos of the town that show the trolleybus overhead of the rather unusual local undertaking the Mexborough & Swinton Traction Company (they had abandoned the word Tramways in the title when they converted the system in c1927) and the wholly single deck fleet continued in operation until 1961 when motor buses were substituted. It was the first and last private company to operate trolleybuses in the UK.
The cover is remarkably bold - the iron & steel works in the background, the colliery and colliers in the forground and even the telephone wires and gas lamps are silhouetted!
