Dagenham Chase

From Londonbirders

Dagenham Chase is one of the largest nature reserves in the London area, it would certainly take a whole day to cover the site thoroughly.The main area of the reserve is the Slack, an area of shallow water that attracts Winter wildfowl, waders and gulls.It has attracted Great Snipe, Temminck's Stint,Sanderling and Spotted Crake. Garganey are fairly regular in Spring, and Ring Ouzel's are still possible along the east side of the Slack.The Slack suffers from disturbance by horses, people and Sparrowhawks, which means birds frequently do not stick around.The surrrounding area is extensive hawthorn scrub, with open areas.By the river Rom is a stand of rare Black Poplar Trees, there is also large areas or grassland and enclosures with maturing trees in them.The Eastbrook School Playing Fields are an excellent site for Golden Plover, Lapwing and Gulls, which are often dispersed by Sparrowhawks. There are numerous gravel pits on site and the hotspot is Chase Waters (former known as White Hart East).Chase Waters is the 2nd pit on the left along the no through road, and has attracted Black-necked, Red-necked and a pair of Slavonian Grebes which stayed for over 2 weeks, they attained summer plumage, displayed and even copulated! Other goodies include the well twitched Pine Bunting and breeding Marsh Warblers,(not so well twitched due to the sensitive site they chose).

ACCESS:The Chase is situated along Dagenham Road and is well signposted from Rush Green Road, Rainham Roads South and North.

PARKING: There is adequate parking in the Millenium centre car park, ( on the right about 40 yds along the no through road).

VISITOR CENTRE TEL: 0208 595 4155.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT: The nearest tube station is Dagenham East on the district line. If you are walking from here turn left, continue on to and walk across Reede Road, then use the crossing by the shops. The Chase can be accessed by taking the public footpath by the side of Ladbrokes the bookmakers.The 174 bus goes directly to the Chase, it can be boarded at Dagenham Heathway tube station on the district line or in Romford town centre.

ON SITE DIRECTIONS: There is a very useful map on the notice boards either side of the visitor centre for those who are unfamiliar with the site.