Country Parks and Nature Reserves
The Beam Valley
The Beam Valley is a 74-hectares country park running from the New Road (A1306) by the Ford Motor Works in the south-east of the borough, north along the River Beam up to the Barking to Basildon railway line next to Eastbrookend Country Park.
The land is a mixture of woodlands, acid grassland, ponds and marsh areas. It also includes a variety of historical features, including tank traps, pillboxes and a section of the Old Romford Canal.
There is archaeological evidence that the area has been used since the stone age. Features such as a farmstead were discovered, as well as evidence that cremation burials of some of the farmers and their families took place. An unexpected discovery was a Roman pottery kiln; this has helped to understand how craft manufacturing was managed at the time.
Beam Parklands - improvement works
From July 2010 those parts of this parkland that are to the south of Rainham Road South will be subject to improvement works. These will provide better flood protection, improved biodiversity and wildlife habitats, and add to public use and enjoyment of the land.
Sports and leisure facilities
Car parking
Car parking for the Beam Valley Country Park is available off Ballards Road.
Access
Access points consist of squeeze barriers and gates accessible through the RADAR scheme. There is a hard-surfaced footpath network across the country park.
Please contact the Parks and Countryside Ranger Service for further information on access.
Bye laws
The Country Park and Nature Reserve bye laws are applicable to the whole of the site.
Location map
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Click image for larger version.
