Swifts at Dusk: A Citizen Science Walk

Join RSPB volunteer Katie Hargreaves for a guided dusk walk through Chafford Gorges, taking part in a live citizen science project tracking the local swift population. You’ll learn how to identify swifts in flight, record sightings and contribute meaningful data to support this remarkable but declining species. As the light fades and the sky fills with movement, experience the landscape in a different way – tuned into sound, speed and the rhythms of the evening.

A welcoming walk for anyone curious about wildlife and how small actions can make a real difference.

Suitable for: All ages.

Walk Information:

• Start and end point: Grays Train Station, Grays, RM17 6NQ
• Duration: 2.5 hrs
• Distance: Up to 5 miles
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Walk Team: Essex Wildlife Trust & T100 Team

Travel Information:

At T100 we are committed to reducing our carbon footprint at every level and would like to encourage all people attending our events and walks to use public transport if they are able to. If you need to drive, please let us know if you would consider car-pooling or car sharing.

By bus: Regular buses run to Grays Train Station between London and Southend.

By train: Regular trains run to Grays Train Station between London and Southend on the C2C line.

Parking: There are various Pay and Display parking facilities in the town centre nearby Grays Train Station.

Accessibility:

The walk isn’t accessible for wheelchairs or large pushchairs due to the mixture of made and unmade paths, uneven surfaces and slopes.

T100 walks are of different lengths and on varying terrain. Some are mainly on footpaths, and others mainly on footpaths where ground may be uneven. We have designed our programme with accessibility in mind so we hope that there is something for everyone to enjoy. If you would like to discuss this please contact [email protected]
Please note:

Everyone needs to choose walks within their capabilities. The walk leaders are experienced but must take people’s word that they will be ok undertaking the walk they have chosen to join.

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, especially unsupervised. Participants under the age of 16 are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.
What to bring:

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 all weather.

Walking boots/shoes are recommended, but if you don’t have these please wear suitable and comfortable footwear – best to leave open-toe sandals or high heels at home. Make sure you bring snacks and a packed lunch with you, if necessary, and plenty to drink.

Toilet facilities can be accessed at Morrisons at the start or end of the walk.

For those keen to take part in mapping Swifts, we will be using the Swiftmapper app - download this before arriving, if you can.
Photography & Filming:

We will be taking photographs and video of this event to promote and celebrate the event in print and online. If you do not give consent to be photographed or filmed, that’s absolutely fine. Please let a member of the T100 team know on the day.

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