A HUGE marshland haven for wildlife is set to open to the public following £2million investment by the RSPB.

Following four years of preparation at West Canvey Marshes, nature lovers will finally be able to set foot across the sprawling wilderness in the coming weeks.

It is the sheer size of the wildlife reserve that impresses the most. The new reserve is 617 acres, stretching from the A130 to the east and Shell Haven Creek and Coryton oil refinery to the west.

Much of the money has been spent on creating 3.5km of hard surface walkways for visitors to traverse the wetland, which is unsurprisingly boggy if you venture off the beaten track.

Dave Hedges, RSPB area manager for south Essex, says: “I think people will be amazed just how much space there is down here.

“You think of Canvey as being built-up and overcrowded, but the west is a real wilderness.”

The reserve, which the RSPB bought from Morrisons supermarket in 2006, boasts a multitude of bird life among its marshes and man-made ponds.

Bird enthusiasts can note wildfowl, curlew and lapwings are among the regular visitors to the area, which is also home to some rarer species.

According to park staff, a pair of distinctive black and white avocets – the bird in the RSPB’s logo – have recently been spotted.

Mr Hedges says: “The fact there is already a pair of avocets in the marshes shows what an important role bird sanctuaries perform.

“This beautiful bird was quite rare about 15 years ago, but thanks to conservation work they’re a real success story now.”

Despite the continued presence of heavy industry and shipping in the Thames Estuary, it remains one of the most important habitats for birds in the UK, attracting many thousands of avian visitors each year.

This is because the marshes and inlets which flank the great river are one of the main stopping-off points for birds migrating from the snowy tundras of Russia and the Arctic Circle to the warmth of Africa each winter, and then back again for the European summer. Mr Hedges notes: “It’s like a natural motorway services for these birds, as they fly along the western edge of Europe towards Africa.

“Many people will be familiar with the Brent geese which land in their thousands near Leigh every October, but there are many other species also undertaking the migration and we hope they make Canvey Marshes their home too.”

For those wanting to admire these natural wonders, the park boasts two hides, where visitors can watch the birds without disturbing them.

There are also plenty of information points, so less knowledgable bird watchers can identify what species they are looking at.

As well as the birds, there are other creatures to observe, including water voles and great crested newts.

Children are also well catered for at the nature reserve, which boasts an adventure playground featuring all manner of swings, tunnels and climbing frames.

The playground has been specifically designed using natural materials, and requires kids to scramble over rocks, balance along wooden logs and clamber through tunnels made out of willow trees.

Mr Hedges says: “We specifically asked the contractor to make the park out of natural materials.

“We wanted kids to have as much contact with the natural environment as possible during their visit.”

The RSPB is currently waiting for the adventure playground to get the proper safety checks before the park can be officially opened. This is expected sometime in the next fortnight.

The RSPB is also looking for volunteers trail walkers, to guide visitors around the park, offer advice and keep watch over the natural habitat. No experience is necessary.

Those interested should call the reserve office on 01268 498620.