MP Hails New RSBP Lease as Good News for Wildlife & Conservation

On Monday, John Baron MP was shown the site of a proposed new sustainable wetland system on 270 hectares of land at Pitsea Marsh and Bowers Marshes. The project, which will include extensive wet grassland, scrapes and salt marsh, has been made possible by the granting of a 150 year peppercorn lease of land by Veolia Environmental Services (the operator of the adjoining Pitsea Waste Management facility) to the RSPB.

Commenting, John said: “This exciting new wetland system will provide a range of habitats for rare wildlife such as water voles and bitterns. Public access to the South Essex Marshes will also be extended significantly, allowing people to enjoy nature as it’s meant to be and learn more about protecting the environment.

“Too often we see the over-development of our green spaces, so congratulations to Veolia and the RSPB for conserving the natural environment and encouraging local wildlife. The new project will be a fun resource for the whole family and help raise awareness of conservation issues. This ambitious scheme will really help to put the Essex Marshes back on the map.”