Land of the Fanns 100 Stories
Walk 5: Davy Down to RSPB Rainham Marshes

Linear Walk & Circular Walk at Rainham Marshes
Friday 31^st May 2019, 10am-5pm

 Book a place here.

Introduction
This walk is part of the Land of the Fanns ‘Community Mapping – 100 Stories project’ led by Kinetika, which, with local communities, will identify and celebrate 100 stories gathered in response to the Land of the Fanns landscape areas, and make 100 silk flags using Kinetika’s batik silk painting process. The project will culminate in a 100 Stories Walking/Arts festival in Summer 2020.

The walk route has been devised by local volunteers to inspire stories, memories and responses and during the walk we invite you to do any or all of the following

• Enjoy the walk, meet people, connect with Land of the Fanns and get to know the area if you are new to it
• Think about your personal connections to the landscape en route
• Share stories about the area
• Capture stories or themes through informal writing and drawing activities
• Record the experience through taking photos on smart phones or cameras

Walk description
The walk starts at Davy Down where there will be an introduction to the Community Mapping project by Kinetika inside the Pumping Station. The walk then begins with a walk through Field of Peace and along the River Mardyke (can do a circular walk back to Davy Down from here). From here the walk continues towards Lion Gorge, passing great views of Chafford Hundred.  This SSSI which had been used for chalk extraction now hosts fascinating wildlife, history and geology. The walk then continues towards St Clements Church where we will stop for lunch and have a look around the Church which can be seen in the film Four Weddings and  a Funeral. (Can leave or join the walk here).

After lunch we then walk along the Thames passing the graffiti wall towards Purfleet. Once at Purfleet we will here about the history of the area including stories of Dracula. The last section of the walk is a tour around RSPB Rainham Marshes (can join just for this section).  This site is haven for all kinds of wildlife – birds, water voles, dragonflies and more. The walk will finish with a summary from Kinetika at RSPB Rainham Marshes.

• Registration for walk: 9:45am
• Walk starts: 10:00am
• Meet: Davy Down Pumping Station
• Walk ends: 5:00 pm
• Ends: RSPB Rainham Marshes

• Duration: 7 hours
• Distance: 10 miles overall
• Davy Down to St Clements 3.8 miles (2 hours)
• St Clements to Purfleet 3.8 miles (2 hours)
• Rainham Marshes Circular route: 2.4 miles – suitable for pushchairs/wheelchairs
• Grading: Moderate
• Walk leaders: Steve Mitchell(Davy Down)/Steve Green/Lesley Robinson/Louise Moss(Rainham Marshes)

Toilets, café, shop, car park, adventure playground at Rainham Marshes.

Parking
Free Parking at Davy Down and Rainham Marshes

Train stations
The nearest station at the start of the walk: Chafford Hundred (RM16 6QQ) approximately 2.1 mile walk to Davy Down.
The nearest station at the end of the walk (Rainham Marshes) is Purfleet.  Purfleet train station is on the C2C line from Fenchurch Street. The reserve is a 15 minute walk from the station following the brown pedestrian signs along the riverside path. Turn right out of the station and then join the path at the Royal Pub. Follow the River wall path and then cross the Mardyke Bridge to the Visitor Centre.

Buses
Nearest bus stop at the start of the walk: Davy Down 22/24/32/370/X90/Z1
Nearest bus stop at the end of the walk: The ensign bus 44 bus route which runs between Lakeside and Grays, stops near the RSPB reserve entrance on New Tank Hill Road. This bus runs every hour and up to 30 minutes during peak periods.

Accessibility
These walks are of different lengths and on different terrain. Some are mainly on footpaths, and other mainly on footpaths where ground may be uneven.
The walk between Davy Down and Rainham Marshes is not suitable for wheelchairs. The circular walk at Rainham Marshes is suitable for pushchairs/wheelchairs.

About the Land of the Fanns Community Mapping Project: 100 Stories
The 100 Stories programme will work with local communities and individuals of all ages across the Land of the Fanns area to identify and celebrate 100 stories gathered in response to the Land of the Fanns landscape areas, and make 100 silk flags using Kinetika’s batik silk painting process. The project will culminate in a 100 Stories Walking/Arts festival in Summer 2020. Alongside the community mapping and arts festival will be a creative skills training programme including interpreting the landscape through art, creative writing, filming, photography and walk leader training.

Please note:

You need to choose walks within your capabilities; the walk leaders are experienced but must take your word that you are sufficiently fit for the grade of walk you have chosen.

Walk leaders will be at the start of the walk regardless of the weather. In the unlikely event of any unforeseen circumstances, Land of the Fanns and Kinetika reserve the right to change or cancel a walk and/or performance. Please check the website www.landofthefanns.org regularly for any updates or follow us on Twitter  or Facebook. .

Please ensure that you are properly equipped for all walks. The weather can be unpredictable so bring waterproof clothing and/or sun hats and sun cream – it’s best to be prepared for everything!

Walking boots/shoes are recommended, but otherwise please wear suitable and comfortable footwear- best to leave open-toe sandals or high heels at home.

Make sure you bring a packed lunch, if necessary, and plenty to drink.

Due care has been exercised in organising the walks, however Kinetika, the funders and associated partners of the project cannot accept liability for loss, accident or injury caused to any person following the routes.

We will be taking photographs and video of this event to promote and celebrate the project in print and online. If you do not give consent to be photographed or filmed please let a member of the Kinetika team know on the day.

Participants under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Link to Eventbrite page here.