The Chase Local Nature Reserve

Dagenham 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.

Parking

Car parking for the Chase Local Nature Reserve is available off of Dagenham Road and is clearly signposted.

Accessibility

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.