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 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 Jermaines Wood
Jermaines Wood is a small, sloping woodland situated between Tylers Common and the M25 motorway. Owned by Essex County Council, but within the Havering boundary, it is fundamentally an ancient, once-coppiced wet woodland, with streams running along two edges.
locate Broaks Wood
Forestry Commission woodland open to the public.
locate Rainham Marshes
Formerly a Ministry of Defence firing range, much of the original medieval land-form and marshland wildlife has been preserved and this RSPB reserve is now the largest remaining expanse of wetland bordering the upper reaches of the Thames Estuary.
locate Belhus Woods Country Park
Brown field areas following gravel extraction, some landfilled and some lakes, but also ancient semi-natural woodlands and some ex arable land. From Romford Road there is a car park and visitor centre. Local paths provide other entrances.
locate Garnetts Wood
An important ancient woodland with Small-leaved Lime.
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 Springfields or Orsett Camp Quarry
Old sand pit with excellent acid grassland/heathland regeneration