Gunners Park

Accessible to all, this nature reserve is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle and go for a coastal walk, whilst discovering different wildlife around every corner. With over 80 acres to explore, there is something for the whole family to enjoy, including a children’s playground and concrete skatepark.

Due to its proximity to the Thames Estuary, this nature reserve provides ideal habitat for migrating birds on passage to and from the UK, including Ring Ouzel, Spotted Flycatcher, Wheatear, Whinchat and even Yellow-browed Warbler. Hundreds of waders will gather along Gog’s Berth, while a Grey seal occasionally makes an appearance along the seawall.

The nature reserve incorporates the Shoebury Old Ranges Site of Special Scientific interest (SSSI) and the Coastguard Station Grounds Local Wildlife Site. This area has more than 12 habitats to walk through, from coastal grassland and a large pond to remnant sand dunes and historic military buildings.

This mosaic of habitats has allowed a range of species to thrive here, including the nationally scarce Sandwich Click Beetle, Bulbous Meadow Grass and the Cuckoo Wasp. The historic buildings are also used by wildlife – in the summer months look out for Barn Swallows zipping in and out of the gaps to feed their young nesting inside.