WILDLIFE enthusiasts are needed to trial a new mobile phone application which will take them on a tour of a beauty spot.

A programme taking people on an audio visual tour of the Rainham Wildspace and Rainham Marshes area has just been launched and people are needed to take part in the pilot.

The application, which is free, will guide residents along walkways and bridges through the marshes to the river, providing commentary and facts about the local environment, landscape, flora and fauna.

Wildspace is located between Rainham and Purfleet and will eventually cover 640 hectares and be home to rare and interesting birds, plants, animals and insects.

Both the Wildspace programme and the mobile application are part of Havering Council’s Rainham Compass programme, which aims to improve Rainham and south Hornchurch in partnership with local people.

An environmental improvement programme will soon provide access to nature and open space along the riverside, and improve the quality of life for local people and the enjoyment of visitors to the area.

The pilot programme for the phone application will require people to take the tour and give feedback on things that can be improved and any inconsistencies.

Cabinet member for transformation Cllr Michael Armstrong, who has responsibility for Rainham Compass, said: “Rainham Marshes is one of the best kept secrets of the Thames Gateway and we want to open up the area to residents and visitors so they can discover all the benefits it has to offer.

“I hope as many residents as possible take part in the pilot by using the new technology and provide us with vital feedback to help us to further improve the audio visual tour.”

The application is available from Apple’s App store and Google’s Android store and can be downloaded from the link on www.havering.gov.uk/wildspace

Residents interested in taking part in the trial should call Katie Williams on 01708 433606.