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 Glemsford Pits (disused railway line)
old railway track with friable sandy banks and adjacent lichen heath surrounded by sallow and willow with a series of old sand/gravel extraction extraction workings (SSSI) mostly wooded. The old Railway Bed supports an exceptional diversity of Plants species including both Nationally Scarce species, many of which provide valuable nectar sources for Bees and are host species to a number of regionally, Nationally declining invertebrate... (Species List to follow). The Site also supports significant Bat Populations. Analysis of Bat recordings for the location are genuinely Species Rich with 9 of the UK's 17 Species regularly recorded. Excellent site well worth a visit. One Essex hide Gems
locate Magdalen Wood (Remains of)
This woodland is all that remains of a larger area which was bordered in the west by Porters Brook, now piped, and to the east by St John's Rd. Much of the old wood was developed as housing in the 1970/80's
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 Frairs Grove Wood and Plantation
This site consists of an ancient woodland and a relatively new plantation which is part of Highwoods Country Park.
locate Jills field
Area is a narrow triangle, above the A13. It has original Thames Terraces sandy soil, never been much disturbed. It is mostly open ground, with scrub Birch encroaching. On the cutting bank of the A13 is a geological exposure that is a SSSI. However, this does not protect the field on top.
locate Bushy Hill, South Woodham Ferrers
A remarkable south facing landslip scarp with some rare invertebrates.
locate Spital Road allotments
Containing over 70 plots, this is one of three allotment sites in Maldon.
locate Near Boyton End, Sudbury
Farmers Field