Loughton

Email: roding@essexwt.org.uk

 

Map Ref: TQ 435 950

Public Transport - Buckhurst Hill, Loughton and Debden tube stations (on the Central Line) are all within a few minutes’ walk of the reserve. Many bus services run to the neighbouring tube stations, including the 20, 167 and 250. 

Dogs allowed if under effective control.

 

Directions:

On foot from Roding Valley recreation ground via a number of entrances on the Loughton side of the river. The main car park is next to the David Lloyd Tennis Centre off Roding Lane, with additional parking by the reserve office in the Grange Farm Pavilion, off Chigwell High Road.
 

For up-to-date Sightings and News click here
 

 

This 160 acre reserve comprises the largest surviving area of traditionally managed river-valley habitat in Essex and follows the River Roding for 1.5 miles between Chigwell Lane, Debden and Roding Lane, Buckhurst Hill. The meadows are rich in flowers and the impressive green lane that runs from near the river to the M11 motorway forms part of the ancient route from Epping Forest to Romford market. 

Designation:

Local Wildlife Site, Local Nature Reserve, Site of Special Scientific Interest

 

What to look for:

The meadows are famous for their beautiful wild flowers such as Southern Marsh Orchids and Devil's-Bit Scabious which flourish on the reserve. It is also an important habitat for a range of butterflies, dragonflies and other invertebrates who are reliant on ever declining habitats. In spring and summer, Sedge Warbler, Reed Bunting and Whitethroat can be seen, while in late summer there are flocks of finches and other seed-eating birds on the seed heads of thistle and teasel. Other wildlife you might see and experience include birds such as Kestrels, Woodpeckers and Sparrowhawks.

 

The meadows came to exist under an ancient system of management, which included grazing and hay cutting. We are trying to mimic this in our current management, using traditional breeds of cattle and continuing with a summer hay cut. Hedgerows help define the uniqueness of the British countryside. There are almost ten miles of hedgerow on the reserve, many of which are managed by laying and coppicing.

 

Access:

Accessible at all times. There is a one mile linear surfaced track that is adapted to accommodate wheelchairs and scooters. Please keep dogs on leads when there is livestock on the reserve.

 

Educational Facilities: 

We are currently developing an educational programme. With the opening of the new Grange Farm Pavilion building, we now have the facilities to receive school groups who wish to come on educational visits. Indoor and outdoor classrooms are available, as well as a vast array of wildlife activities on our doorstep. A function room in the Pavilion is also available to hire (phone Grange Farm on 0208 127 4323 or email info@grangefarmcentre.co.uk). For more information on education with Essex Wildlife Trust, click here , or contact Rebecca Gibson , People & Wildlife Manager on (01621) 862991 or email: rebeccag@essexwt.org.uk 

 

Did you know?

The Roding Valley meadows were declared a local nature reserve in 1986. Before this, from 1938 to 1964, part of this land was occupied by an RAF base, RAF Chigwell. Although the base was largely demolished in 1968, a number of features from the former site remain. These include the balloon rotundas, from which barrage balloons were launched to protect North London against air raids in World War II, and concrete tracks, which now provide firm walking even in winter.

Links: 

For detailed information on the reserve, and a downloadable copy of our management plan, visit our partners Countrycare on their website here.