Berwick Woods
50ac/20ha SSSI (part)
Grid ref: TQ 542 837
Updated 31/12/2023.
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Berwick Woods is a former gravel extraction site that has been restored by the gravel company, Lafarge Tarmac. As well as newly planted woods and grassland, it has substantial areas of wet woodland and some established scrub around former pits and ponds.
It borders Berwick Ponds, used partly for angling but also part of the Ingrebourne Marshes SSSI and surrounded by large stands of reed, and it overlooks the flood meadows alongside the Ingrebourne. With such a mix of habitats it attracts a wide range of our commoner birds and also some less usual – cetti's warblers and water rail can be seen around Berwick Ponds.
Visiting
Access from Berwick Ponds Road, which joins Hacton Lane, Hornchurch, to Warwick Lane, Rainham. Can also be reached from Hornchurch CP via the bridge across the Ingrebourne River. SatNav: RM13 9EJ.
About 1km walk down Suttons Lane from Hornchurch station (District Line tube). Frequent bus services run to both entrance roads from Rainham, Hornchurch and Romford.
Accessible at all times.
May for songbirds; high summer for butterflies and other insects.
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