Rainham Dock East is adjacent to the River Medway, which has an international reputation for hosting migratory ducks, waders and other sea birds. Cross over Motney Hill Road from Rainham Dock East to the Rainham Dock itself and you will have an excellent view of the birds if you get there about 1 hour before high tide. The RSPB reserve at Motney Hill is only a few yards away, although this is not open to the public. The reed bed in Rainham Dock East is not open to the public either, but it can we seen from the top of the sea wall which runs along the western side of Motney Hill Road.

 

The lake in the southern part of the reserve has permanent residents like coot and moorhen, which are joined in the summer by little grebe, reed and sedge warblers. Grey herons, from the heronry at Northwood Hill, sometimes visit to fish in the lake. Woodland species include chiffchaff, blackcap, blue tit, great tit, long-tailed tit, green and great spotted woodpeckers. Kingfishers, nuthatches and tree creepers can occasionally be seen. In winter months redpolls and bramblings can be found feeding on the seeds of birch and other species, or roosting with flocks of finches, whilst goldcrests often associate with winter flocks of tits.

The southern area (chalk pit) is not suitable for those with mobility difficulties. On the eastern side of the pit there are a number of flights of steps to be negotiated between the floor and top of the pit. Other sections of path become slippery in wet weather. Trip hazards exist in the form of uneven ground and tree roots growing through paths. There are some steep drops close to path edges 

PLEASE NOTE:

Adders  live in this reserve. Please do not disturb them. It is illegal to kill or injure an adder. They can be dangerous to young children and dogs, but are unlikely to cause serious injury to a healthy adult. (Adder bite)

The southern area (chalk pit) is not suitable for those with mobility difficulties. On the eastern side of the pit there are a number of flights of steps to be negotiated between the floor and top of the pit. Other sections of path become slippery in wet weather. Trip hazards exist in the form of uneven ground and tree roots growing through paths. There are some steep drops close to path edges 

There are no facilities in either part of this reserve.

The visitor centre at Riverside Country Park , 1.6km (1 mile) away, has:

Toilets
Disabled toilets
Baby changing facilities
Café
Childrens play area (Dog-free zone)

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PLEASE HELP MAINTAIN BERENGRAVE RESERVE FOR THE BENEFIT
OF THE FLORA, FAUNA AND FUTURE GENERATIONS OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC

•  DO NOT disturb wildlife
•  DO NOT damage trees
•  DO NOT pick wild flowers. (Ref: Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, et sec)
•  DO NOT disturb nesting birds, their nests, eggs or young. (Ref: Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, et sec)
•  DO NOT release exotic species into the wild (Ref: Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981, et sec). This includes exotic or
         alien species that may have already become established. The interpretation of 'wild' in the act includes private
         gardens from which escape is possible
•  NO HUNTING Airweapons and firearms are illegal in the reserve. The police will be notified
•  NO CYCLING in the chalk pit area of the reserve as it is destructive to the paths and could be hazardous to the
         cyclist and to other visitors. Cycling is permitted on surfaced paths only
•  NO MOTOR CYCLES anywhere in the reserve  (Ref: The Police Reform Act 2002)
•  NO FISHING Abandoned line and hooks are deadly to wildlife
•  NO FIRES anywhere in the reserve
•  DOGS must be kept on a lead in the chalk pit area of the reserve, but can run free in Rainham Dock East. 
         In both areas the dog must be under control at all times
         Clean up after your dog (Penalty for not doing so is £1,000)  (Ref: Dog Fouling of Land Act 1996, et seq)