Interesting Places
Here are some random sample locations of interest in Essex. Also take a look at sites shown on our sites map, geology site map and brownfield site map, with the site account and locate site facility.
locate Goshems Farm, Tilbury
This is the site of a very old landfill site dating back to Victorian times. It is highly probable that tipping ceased in 1958 when a change in ownership occurred. There was a long continuity of cattle grazing until at least 1997, as indicated by the presence of an important population of the UKBAP Hornet Robber Fly, discovered in the mid 1990s. The sandy shoreline is unprecedented as a habitat in the Thames estuary, together with a section of low chalky cliff.
locate Tiptree Heath
Best surviving heathland in Essex, an outlier of the 18th century Heath and a remnant of a much larger vast tract to be found in the 15th century. The heath has suffered from succession to scrub and woodland, but recent efforts have returned more areas to open heath.
locate Newt pond lost in coastal realignment
Failed mitigation led to the flooding of a great crested newt breeding pond - located on map - in 2004 the newts had still not recolonised the pond due to high salinity - breeding ponds were reduced from 2 out of 5 to 1 out of 6 ponds. A detailed survey was not carried out prior to the coastal realignment but a detailed survey was carried out after the 'development' in 2004.
locate Swan Wood, Stock
Ancient woodland with some past non-native planting. Wet valley habitat, open coppiced areas, wonderful bluebell display.
locate Goshems Farm, Tilbury
This is the site of a very old landfill site dating back to Victorian times. It is highly probable that tipping ceased in 1958 when a change in ownership occurred. There was a long continuity of cattle grazing until at least 1997, as indicated by the presence of an important population of the UKBAP Hornet Robber Fly, discovered in the mid 1990s. The sandy shoreline is unprecedented as a habitat in the Thames estuary, together with a section of low chalky cliff.
locate Tiptree Heath
Best surviving heathland in Essex, an outlier of the 18th century Heath and a remnant of a much larger vast tract to be found in the 15th century. The heath has suffered from succession to scrub and woodland, but recent efforts have returned more areas to open heath.
locate Chafford Gorges
A series of old chalk quarries, now owned and managed by the Essex Wildlife Trust.
locate VANGE & FOBBING MARSHES