Visitors to the cafe at RSPB Rainham Marshes can be sure that fresh food is on the menu after the venue received special recognition.

The cafe in New Tank Hill Road, Rainham, is one of 11 nature reserves to gain the bronze Food for Life Served Here award from the Soil Association.

The conservation charity is keen to lead by example when it comes to serving food, by reducing the impact of nature reserve catering on the environment.

Site manager Andrew Gouldstone said: “The cafe really adds to the atmosphere on the reserve.

“Lots of visitors enjoy the spectacular views over these ancient grazing marshes with all their attendant wildlife.

“Whether it’s a cool drink and a sandwich in the summer, or something more substantial after a bracing winter walk, we know our cafe remains ever popular.

“And the income helps us look after this nature reserve, keeping it a great place for wildlife and for people.”