Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what (a) financial and (b) other support his Department is providing to Rainham Marshes.

Rainham Marshes is designated as part of the Inner Thames Marshes Site of Scientific Interest (SSSI) of particular importance for breeding birds, wintering waders and wildfowl. The site also supports several priority habitats.

There is currently a five-year Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier agreement in place with the RSPB on Rainham Marshes. The agreement works towards maintaining favourable condition of the SSSI. Its objective is to maintain and enhance the wet grassland habitat for breeding and non-breeding birds and undertake management for other priority species.

Natural England provides advice to RSPB as managers of the SSSI.