Bowers Marsh (RSPB)

Description

Bowers Marsh is a relatively new RSPB reserve situated between Pitsea Station and Benfleet Station in South Essex.

With saline and freshwater lagoons plus a large area of restored grazing marsh, this reserve has already attracted a wide variety of species.

Notable Species

All Year

Skylark

Corn Bunting

Lapwing

Kingfisher

Marsh Harrier

Sparrowhawk

Bearded Tit

Gadwall

Pochard

Little Egret

Spring

Yellow Wagtail

Swallow

Sand Martin

Stonechat

Garganey

Little Egret

Wheatear

Cuckoo

Summer

Hobby

House Martin

Reed Warbler

Sedge Warbler

Common Tern

Willow Warbler

Cetti's Warbler

Autumn

Little Stint

Green Sandpiper

Pintail

Ruff

Garganey

Avocet

Winter

Mediterranean Gull

Peregrine Falcon

Glaucous Gull

White-fronted Goose

Black-tailed Godwit

Iceland Gull

Past Rarities Include

Hoopoe

Black-winged Stilt

Temminck's Stint

Red-footed Falcon

Black-necked Grebe

Great White Egret

Red-backed Shrike

Glossy Ibis

Paragraphs

Wetland Trail

This 5km (3 mile) walk leads you into the depths of the marshland. Immerse yourself in the reserve as you walk past lagoons, grazing marsh and reedbeds. The paths are hard-surfaced and level with the exception of the step access to East Haven viewing point.

Lapwing Trail

Explore the wetland and grassland on this 2km (1.2 mile) trail which is perfect for a family visit. The paths are hard-surfaced with a gentle slope to the northeast corner of the reserve.

Hedgerow Trail

This 1km (0.6 mile) trail takes you along mixed hedgerows which are excellent for wildlife throughout the year. The paths are hard-surfaced and level.