The Chase Local Nature Reserve is now managed by The London Borough of Barking and Dagenham Ranger Service, having previously been managed by the London Wildlife Trust since the mid 1980’s. It comprises 48ha (120 acres) of Horse-grazed meadows, marshland, ponds, woodlandand scrub make The Chase a fascinating area to seewildlife right on your doorstep. For example, astaggering 200 species of birds have been recorded onthe site! The Chase is also home to a population of rareBlack Poplar trees. Even if you cannot identify all thewildlife you might see, The Chase is still an excellent sitefor a relaxing walk away from the stresses of modern life.
Dagenham Chase Local Nature Reserve is one of the best urban nature reserves in the south east of England. Combined with the Eastbrookend Country Park it has a number of different habitats that attracts all sorts of wildlife.
Over the years there has been some rare sightings of birds such as a Great Snipe, Pine Bunting and more recently a Spotted Crake, so you never know what you might find here!
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.
Access:
The Chase is situated along Dagenham Road and is well signposted from Rush Green Road, Rainham Roads South and North.
Opening Times:
Accessible at all times
Features of the Park include:
- Site Area: 48.5 Hectares (120 acres)
- Site Type: Nature Reserve
- Site Users: Pedestrians
- Path Length:3.3km (unsurfaced)
- Visitors Centre (The Millennium Centre)
- Car Park: There is adequate parking in the Millenium centre car park, (on the right about 25 yards along the no through road).
- The Chase Local Nature Reserve is not accessible by wheelchair; please contact the Parks and Countryside Ranger Service for further information on accessibility.
Public Transport:
- Nearest Train Station: Dagenham East (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.
- Nearest Bus stop: The Chase
- Bus Number: 174
- It can be boarded at Dagenham Heathway tube station on the district line or in Romford town centre.
Contact information:
- Site Management Organisation: London Borough of Barking and Dagenham
- Phone: 0208 215 3000
- Visitor Centre Tel: 0208 595 4155.
- Email: parksandcountryside@lbbd.gov.uk
Address:
The Millennium Centre - The Chase
Dagenham Road, Rush Green
Romford
Essex
RM7 0SS
Do you have anything to add to this page? Click below to submit your content.