Country Parks and Nature Reserves
The Chase Local Nature Reserve
The Chase Local Nature Reserve covers 48.5 hectares and offers a diverse mix of habitats. Shallow wetlands, woodland, grassland and the River Rom support an abundance of wildlife.
The Chase borders the Eastbrookend and Beam Valley Country Parks together forming a regionally important area for wildlife.
Birds receive the most attention with over 190 species recorded in the last 50 years.
Kingfishers, skylark, little ringed plover and lapwing all breed here but The Chase is best known for its rare visitors during the migration periods such as pine bunting, great snipe and spotted crake.
Other animals include water voles, great crested newts, slow worms and badgers.
The Chase has a number of important plants. The easiest of these to spot is the Black Poplar tree. The site contains 6 of only 600 female trees left in the United Kingdom. Other notable plants include spiny restharrow, warty cabbage and black mustard.
The Chase Local Nature Reserve is not accessible by wheelchair; please contact the Parks and Countryside Ranger Service for further information on accessibility.
Parts of The Chase are grazed by horses from the Eastminster School of Riding.
Car parking
Car parking for the Chase Local Nature Reserve is available off of Dagenham Road and is clearly signposted.
Access
The nature reserve is accessible every day of the year from sunrise until dusk.
Access points consist of either squeeze barriers or stiles but there is no formal path network across the site.
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
|
Click image for larger version.
Directions by public transport
Dagenham Heathway
- District Line train to Dagenham Heathway Station
- Turn left out of station to bus stop
- Bus number 174 to Farmhouse Tavern
- Cross road using pelican crossing
- Enter Country Park
For the Millennium Centre, turn left and follow path behind the Farmhouse Tavern, you will see the Millennium Centre in front of you.
Dagenham East
- District Line train to Dagenham East Station
- Cross over zebra crossing then turn left over bridge
- Walk past Aventis Pharma buildings
- Turn immediately right along footpath, following factory boundary
- Continue past the sports field on your left, until reaching a footpath to the left
- Follow footpath into the Country Park
For the Millennium Centre, follow the path straight on past the woodland, you will see the Millennium Centre over to the right.
