Roding Valley Park
213ac/86ha SMI
Grid ref: TQ 412 902
Updated 31/12/2023.
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The Roding Valley Park follows the River Roding and the M11 motorway from Redbridge roundabout in the south to the borough boundary in the north, forming a Green Corridor through the west of the London Borough of Redbridge. It is a mixture of close-mown and rough grassland, sown with wild flowers, with small pockets of woodland and scrub. It has a network of surfaced paths.
Grey heron and kingfisher can be seen along the River Roding. It is an important bird migration route, so during spring and autumn unusual species may turn up.
In summer the grassland and scrub supports many butterflies, including brimstone, painted lady and speckled wood. Dragonflies and damselflies along the river include broad-bodied chaser, common darter, banded demoiselle and white-legged damselfly. On warm summer evenings bats hunt for insects over the water.
Purple loosestrife grows beside the river and, in the water, water crowfoot.
Visiting
To reach the visior centre in Ray Park, follow Chigwell Road (A113) from Charlie Brown's roundabout (M11 junction 4) and turn left into Snakes Lane East. Can also be reached on foot from Roding Lane and Eastern Avenue. SatNav: IG8 7JQ.
Redbridge, South Woodford, Wanstead and Woodford tube stations are within easy reach. Several bus routes pass nearby.
Accessible at all times. The visitor centre in Ray Park is open daily 8am to dusk.
Surfaced paths throughout. South of the Charlie Brown roundabout is a multi-user surface park for wheelchairs and buggies.