07 February 2025 • 4 min read
Local rail operator c2c Trenitalia has funded the installation of a new ‘talking’ telescope on the viewing platform of Essex Wildlife Trust’s Thameside Nature Discovery Park’s visitor centre.
The beautifully conserved park, which is built on a former landfill site based near Stanford-le-Hope station, is a haven for wildlife and a popular destination for local Essex residents who can enjoy stunning views over the Thames Estuary.
When activated, the telescope gives a 90 second scripted narration of the history of the site. On a good day, the telescope even allows a view all the way over to Southend Pier.
Rob Mullen, Managing Director of c2c, said:
“We had the pleasure of meeting the team from the Essex Wildlife Trust in January and trying out the Talking Telescope, which was a lovely way to spend a morning.
“The team here is conserving this site for years to come, which is wonderful to see. It’s a beautiful spot that everyone can enjoy and I love the fact that it’s on our route.
“We are very proud to be part of this special place.”
Grant Maton from Essex Wildlife Trust, said:
“c2c has been a Gold Investor in Wildlife and a Corporate Member of Essex Wildlife Trust since 2007. In that time we have worked on many projects to enhance nature and communicate this to their customers and our supporters.
“We would like to thank you for the funding for the new Talking Telescope on the viewing platform of Thameside Nature Discovery Park’s Visitor Centre, which will give everyone access visually to the surrounding area. We very much look forward to future collaborations between us.”
Hannah Gerrish, Customer Delivery Manager for Thameside c2c, said:
“I had an amazing time visiting the Thameside nature reserve. It was such a joy to explore the stunning surroundings through the telescope and this support is such a fantastic way for us to engage with the community.
“I was thrilled to learn so much about birds during the visit and overall, it was a really enriching experience.”
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS
About c2c
- c2c is the award-winning train operator running services between Fenchurch Street and Shoeburyness, serving 26 stations in East London and South Essex.
- Owned by Trenitalia, c2c is one of the UK’s most punctual and popular train operators and nearly 35.8 million journeys are made on its services every year.
- Italian-based Trenitalia is one of Europe’s leading rail operators and the passenger rail arm of FS Italiane Group.
- Local train operator c2c Trenitalia is a partner of the Thameside Essex Wildlife Trust which can be accessed via nearby Standford-le-Hope station.
- For more information email mediaenquiries@c2crail.net
Images: Featured Image – ‘c2c team with EWT team next to the Talking Telescope’
Second Image – ‘Rob Mullen MD trying the Talking Telescope’
Third Image – ‘c2c team learning about the discovery park’
About Essex Wildlife Trust
- Essex Wildlife Trust protects wildlife through landscape conservation, education on our nature reserves and discovery centres and campaigns that help to give wildlife a greater voice in our county.
- It is a local wildlife charity supported by over 1900 volunteers and over 40,000 members. Together it protects and cares for wildlife and wild places across Essex.