RSPB South Essex Marshes Visitor Centre

South Essex Wildlife Garden and Visitor Centre are located within Basildon District Council's Wat Tyler Country Park and are the perfect place to find out more about the RSPB, enjoy a stroll in peaceful surroundings and find out more about gardening for wildlife. Opening times The Wildlife Garden and Visitor Centre is open from 10 am to 4 pm in winter and 10 am to 5 pm in summer. Entrance charges Entrance to the RSPB Wildlife Garden and Visitor Centre is free, although a small charge applies to guided walks and some children's activities. Contact us for details of events, dates and charges. If you are new to birdwatching... The RSPB South Essex Wildlife Garden and Visitor Centre is the perfect place to start looking for birds, with fantastic views of garden birds from the Visitor Centre window. Wat Tyler Country Park is also a great place to head out and catch your first glimpses of waders foraging in the mud. Information for families There's always something going on for families on site. Watch the birds in the Wildlife Garden, discover minibeasts in our aquarium, follow the seasons on our live CCTV cameras or at weekends have a go at one of our nature-themed activities. There are also monthly RSPB Little Owls (0-5 years) Wildlife Explorers (5-11 years) and Phoenix (11-18 years) youth groups. Information for dog owners Dogs are allowed in the Wildlife Garden and Visitor Centre but we ask that they are kept on a lead. There are a number of trails around the park for dogs, contact the Country Park for more information on 01268 550088. Make a day of it This site is also the gateway to our South Essex reserves, a network of green space made up of West Canvey Marsh, Vange Marsh and Canvey Wick. While you're here, why not make a day of it and check out the other reserves in our South Essex collection?