The Essex Naturalist
59
The Flora of the old Redbridge (Southern) Sewage Works
P.R. Ferris
116 Capel Road, Forest Gate, London E7 0JS.
Summary
A survey of the flora of the old Redbridge (Southern) Sewage Treatment
Works between Aldersbrook and Ilford was carried out intermittently over a
number of years from 1991 to the present day. A total of 237 species of vascular
plants is reported. Seventeen additional species previously recorded, but not
found by the present author are also listed. The area and its various habitats are
described.
Introduction
The site of the Redbridge (Southern) Sewage Works is bounded by Wanstead
Park to the north, the River Roding to the east, the City of London Cemetery to
the south and allotments and a riding school to the west. These form part of a
large area of open space in suburban East London. Until the mid 1970s the
works were in use and access was very limited. Some bird ringing was done here,
but otherwise the area was rarely visited other than by site-employees. Even
when the works were ceased, access was still prohibited and apart from some
trespassers it lay virtually untouched and unused until recently.
The results of a survey of the flora of Wanstead Park have already been
published (Ferris, 1980); 260 species of flowering plant were reported. Since
Wanstead Park lies immediately adjacent to the sewage works, and the sewage
works have now become incorporated as part of Epping Forest, it was considered
that a record should be kept of the plants that inhabit the site, particularly as it
is expected that many changes will occur as it evolves. A list of the plants found
during the present survey is presented in Table 1. As well as providing a record
of the flora of the site of the old sewage works, this paper is also intended to
present a readable synopsis of the flora to both experts and beginners alike.
A map of the area and its surroundings is presented in Fig. 1, and it is
suggested that this be referred to whilst reading the following description of the
works and its flora. The square numbers M6, N5, N6, 05 and 06 shown on the
map and in Table 1 continue the system used in the earlier paper, and for
recording locally. Each square is 0.25 x 0.25 km. and these coincide with the
Ordnance Survey's National Grid lines.
The Sewage Works
The sewage works must have been part of those lands that were historically
associated with Wanstead House, which was sold and demolished in 1824-
Whereas the adjacent Wanstead Park was landscaped, it is probable that the site