This new reserve opened as recently as November, 2006 and is still under development. The reserve preserves one of the last fragments of the once extensive grazing marshes of the Thames shores, the largest part of the Inner Thames Site of Special Scientific Interest, and lies just 12 miles (19.2 km) from central London.
Photo 1 Entrance sign.
Photos 2-6 The visitor centre showing exterior views, restaurant and observing facilities and car-parking area.
Photos 7-8 School groups visiting the reserve.
Photos 9-12 Observation hide constructed from shipping container: weatherproof with much information and good views. Positioned and landscaped to prevent people getting in front of the hide.
Photo 13 An interesting variation on observation structures: a screen in front of which people sit and walk. Being close to the entrance, many people use and pass this structure so birds will habituate to their presence. The fact that the screen prevents people being outlined against the sky also reduces disturbance to birds.
Photos 14-17 show some views of the reserve.
