Thurrock Retired Teachers (From Haringey Independent)

Thurrock Retired Teachers

3:09pm Wednesday 23rd July 2008 in

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COLIN Bartholomew, Senior Warden at the RSPB Reserve Rainham Marshes, was the speaker at Thurrock Retired Teachers July Meeting. This 800 acre site of special scientific interest is shared between the boroughs of Thurrock and Havering. The land has been used for grazing since neolithic times, a practice that continues today. The war department had developed and used the land since 1906. The first task for the RSPB when they bought the land in 2000 was a massive clean up operation.

It was 6 years before it could be opened for the public to enjoy.

The RSPB is keen to work with schools and to get children close to nature.

As well as birds, small mammals, especially water shrews, have made the area their home.

One of the new developments — the Riverside Walk — is already open to walkers and cyclists. Eventually it is hoped that it will be possible to walk or cycle along the riverside from London to Southend.

The eco-friendly visitors’ centre has a small shop and cafeteria where telescopic views of a variety of birds as well as the river can be seen. On a clear day you may even see the London Eye!

Thurrock residents have free access to this amenity, a small charge is made for people out of the area.

The next meeting is on August 15 at 10.15am at Thurrock Masonic Hall, Grays and will be ‘A Taste of Music Halls’ by Arthur Brooks. All retired teachers are welcome.