Accessibility Guide for RSPB Bowers Marsh

Travel by public transport

You can get to RSPB Bowers Marsh by bus and train.

The nearest bus stop is on the B1464 on the number 22 Basildon to Canvey bus route. Walk underneath the A13 via the subway which brings you out onto Church Road. Continue straight down the road and the reserve entrance is at the end of this road. The bus stop is 1 miles / 1.6 km from RSPB Bowers Marsh.

The nearest train station is Pitsea train station. The train station is 2.5 miles / 4.0 km from RSPB Bowers Marsh.

Bowers Marsh is located between Pitsea station and Benfleet station where there are regular services from Shoeburyness and London Fenchurch Street.

From Pitsea station, turn right at the end of Station Approach and turn right down Brackendale Avenue, following the Thames Coastal Path footpath alongside the railway line until you reach Church Road.  Turn right onto Church Road and follow the road to the main reserve entrance. For more information about train times please visit the C2C website before you travel.

 

 

Parking

We have a car park. There are accessible parking spaces. The parking is less than 50 metres from the main entrance. Parking is free.

There is a drop-off point at the main entrance. The drop-off point does not have a dropped kerb.

From the car park to the entrance, there is level access.

By Road:

Follow directions from the A13 for Pitsea. Take the turning towards Pitsea centre/ Pitsea market onto Broadway Link.

Turn right onto London Road (B1464 towards Basildon Crematorium), turn right at the mini-roundabout with a brown Bowers Marsh sign. This is Church Road - go left at the next T-junction and follow the road until you reach the reserve entrance, and just beyond, the car park.

Car Park:

119 spaces

2 Blue Badges

Loose gravel surface

No steps or slopes but there is a kissing gate to access the reserve

Path to main entrance

From the street to the main entrance, there is level access.

Main entrance

The main entrance has level access.

Designated Walking Trail

Hedgerow Stroll

The trail is 1000metres long. The trail has a hard surface. There are kissing gates on this trail with radar key access The trail is sloped. The trail has seats.

This 1 km (0.6 mile) trail is perfect for children or a quick breath of fresh air. Look out for butterflies in the summer and birds feasting on berries in autumn and winter. The paths are hard surfaced and level.

The paths are surfaced with a mixture of grass and granite chippings between 1 - 2.5 metres wide. They are relatively flat, with the exception of a gradient of 1 in 100 to the highest point in the north east corner near to Rookery Farm.

Not pushchair or wheelchair friendly.
 

Designated Walking Trail

Lapwing Trail

The trail is 2000metres long. The trail has a hard surface. There are kissing gates on this trail with radar key access The trail is sloped. The trail has seats.

Explore the wetland and grassland on this 2 km (1.2 mile) trail, perfect for the whole family to explore the reserve. What can you see as you walk past hedgerows, ditches and fields? Keep your eyes peeled and ears open! The paths are hard surfaced with a gentle slope to the north east corner of the reserve.

The paths are surfaced with a mixture of grass and granite chippings between 1 - 2.5 metres wide. They are relatively flat, with the exception of a gradient of 1 in 100 to the highest point in the north east corner near to Rookery Farm.

Not pushchair or wheelchair friendly.
 

Designated Walking Trail

Wetland Trail

The trail is 5000metres long. The trail has a hard surface. There are kissing gates on this trail with radar key access The trail has seats.

This 5 km (3 mile) trail 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.

The paths are surfaced with a mixture of grass and granite chippings between 1 - 2.5 metres wide. They are relatively flat, with the exception of a gradient of 1 in 100 to the highest point in the north east corner near to Rookery Farm.

Not pushchair or wheelchair friendly.

Picnic Area

Picnic area near the car park

From the car park to the picnic area, there is level access. Some tables have space for wheelchair users. You can bring your own food to the picnic area.

From the car park to the picnic area the ground is level with access via a kissing gate with a radar key if required.

Please note, the picnic tables are amongst the grass so may be difficult to access by wheelchair.

Picnic Area

Wetland Trail

From the car park to the picnic area, there is level access. Some tables have space for wheelchair users. You can bring your own food to the picnic area.

From the car park to the picnic area the ground is level with access via a kissing gate with a radar key if required.

Please note, the picnic tables are amongst the grass so may be difficult to access by wheelchair.

Old Saltings Wildlife Viewing Point

From the main entrance to this area, there is level access.

From the car park to the viewing point the ground is level with access via a kissing gate with a radar key if required.

 

East Haven Wildlife Viewing Point

From the main entrance to this area, there is level access.

From the car park to the viewing point the ground is level with access via a kissing gate with a radar key if required.

Great Pound Wildlife Viewing Point

From the main entrance to this area, there is level access.

Customer care support

Some staff have disability awareness training.

If you have any questions with regard to accessing this reserve, please contact us prior to your visit at southessex@rspb.org.uk and we will be happy to help.