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 Chafford Gorges
A series of old chalk quarries, now owned and managed by the Essex Wildlife Trust.
locate Broom Hill, West Tilbury
Shallow sand/gravel pit at top into Thames Terrace and unimproved grassland scarp grazed by horses and rabbits
locate Mucking Heath, Orsett Golf Course
Golf course with ancient grass heath, acid grassland and remnant heathland.
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 Lodge Farm, Witham
Common pipistrelle and possible soprano pipistrelle transitional/occasional (non-breeding) roost utilised by a small number of bats (max 3 recorded). These roosts are associated with confirmed lifted tiles on the north gable end of the farmhouse, and potentially other lifted tiles on north and west elevations.
locate Thorndon Country Park
A country park important for wildlife. It is managed by Essex. It is usually thought of in two parts: northern part has car parks, visitor centre (run by EWT), and is mainly wooded; southern part has one parking area and is more open with grassland slopes and a large lake, with woodland to the north. The two parts are linked by footpaths that run through restored farmland.
locate Little Thurrock Marshes
The site is likely to support a number of species of principle importance, included in the UKBAP, as well as providing good habitat opportunities for reptiles, protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act.
locate Broaks Wood
Forestry Commission woodland open to the public.