Architecture on Rainham Marshes

"Rainham Marshes is a wonderful haven for birds, common, rare, summer and winter visitors alike. No fewer than 250 species are likely to perch, feed and breed here in the course of a year. And out on this mosquito-ridden stretch of boggy terrain - between a housing estate and the elevated A13 - is one of the best new buildings in the Thames Gateway. Designed by Van Heyningen and Haward Architects, the RSPB's new Purfleet Environment and Education Centre is, despite its clumsy name, a delightful surprise."

http://arts.guardian.co.uk/critic/feature/0,,1946412,00.html

"Its walls are lined with sheep's wool, its toilets flush with rainwater, and its funnels glow at sunset. Jonathan Glancey is captivated by a striking new hide for nature lovers "

Monday November 13, 2006
The Guardian (c)

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http://www.rspb.org.uk/england/southeast/reserves/rainham_opens.asp

"The RSPB hopes it new 353-hectare reserve will provide a foundation for the sustainable development of the Gateway, making it a healthy and attractive place to live in and to visit.
Both the reserve and the centre have been designed to allow genuine access for all. The centre's unique design combines uninterrupted views across the marshes with a range of cutting edge energy- and water-saving features.

"In time, thousands should be able to enjoy the peace and tranquillity the new reserve offers and to see the wealth of wildlife that can be found there.

"Graham Wynne, RSPB Chief Executive said, 'The Thames Gateway is a fantastic area for wildlife. It is vital that the people, who live and work in the area, and those who visit, have access to its magnificent open spaces. If they do not, there is a real risk that the regeneration will fail to realise its full potential.

"'The RSPB is working across the whole Gateway to deliver publicly accessible green spaces that bring benefits both to the wildlife that depend on these sites and to the communities that surround them.

"'RSPB Rainham Marshes is the furthest advanced of our projects and we look forward to working with our partners on both sides of the river to help deliver a sustainable Thames Gateway that we can all be proud of.'"