Eastbrookend Country Park, Dagenham Road, Rush Green, Romford RM7 0SS
The Chase Local Nature Reserve
Mixed-habitat reserve
Source image
6.5
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
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Cost
Wild
Feel
Why it's Wildland
6.5Former gravel workings beside the River Rom have become a 48-hectare patchwork of wetland, grassland, scrub and woodland, known for its birdlife and rare native black poplars.
The Chase brings a surprisingly varied nature reserve into the Dagenham Corridor: shallow wetlands, acid grassland, river-edge vegetation and woodland sit on land once used for gravel extraction. Its recorded birdlife and rare native black poplars give it more ecological character than an ordinary urban park.
Wild · Peaceful
Find your way
Open mapEastbrookend Country Park, Dagenham Road, Rush Green, Romford RM7 0SS
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The experience
Start at Eastbrookend Discovery Centre and use its self-guided circular nature trail to explore nearby woodland and lakes. Extend the visit into The Chase’s wetland, grassland, scrub and river-edge habitats, keeping to paths and respecting wildlife.
Things to do
Follow the Discovery Centre nature trail
Take the self-guided circular trail that begins and ends at Eastbrookend Discovery Centre and passes through some surrounding woodland and lakes.
Look for birds in the wetland and reedbeds
The reserve’s official parks page records birds including snipe, kingfishers, reed warblers, lapwing and little ringed plover. Sightings are seasonal and not guaranteed.
Explore the reserve’s varied habitats
Use informal paths to experience the reported mix of shallow wetlands, reedbeds, horse-grazed pasture, scrub, river and woodland. Keep to permitted paths and follow current signs.
Look for rare native black poplar
The reserve’s official parks page identifies the UK’s rarest native tree, the black poplar, as a notable feature of the site.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · Around 1 hour; trail duration not specified by the source
Quick Escape: Discovery Centre nature trail
- 01
Begin at Eastbrookend Discovery Centre.
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Follow the self-guided circular nature trail through some of the surrounding woodland and lakes.
- 03
Pause to look for birds and other wildlife without disturbing them.
Half day · Half day; suggested visit duration, not a published route time
Make a Half Day of It: Explore The Chase’s habitat mosaic
- 01
Start at Eastbrookend Discovery Centre and check current facilities and trail information.
- 02
Explore The Chase’s informal paths, taking in its wetland, grassland, scrub, woodland and river habitats where access allows.
- 03
Spend time scanning the shallow pools and reedbeds for birds, then return to the Discovery Centre.
Verified history
The reserve occupies land formerly used for gravel extraction. Havering Council describes the site as a habitat mosaic beside the River Rom; the supplied sources do not provide further verified historical dates or named people.
Hidden details
A landscape shaped by gravel extraction — The reserve’s wetlands and other habitats occupy a former gravel extraction site, a transformation noted by Havering Council.
Rare native black poplars — The official parks page identifies the UK’s rarest native tree as present at The Chase; it does not specify individual tree locations.
A substantial bird record — Havering Council reports 190 bird species recorded at the reserve over 50 years. The current parks page describes around 200 species recorded throughout the year; these are source-reported totals, not a promise of sightings.
When to go
· No source-specific time of day verified; check current access arrangements before visiting.
The sources identify migration periods as a time for rare visiting birds and winter as a time when snipe and teal may be seen. No reliable peak months are specified.
Paths are informal, and a supplied walk account reports soggy ground after rain. Check conditions before setting out.
Worth pairing with
Eastbrookend Country Park and Discovery Centre
The Discovery Centre is a gateway to Eastbrookend Country Park and provides the start and finish for a self-guided circular nature trail through some surrounding woodland and lakes. It is a worthwhile same-day extension; check facilities and opening before visiting.
Beam Country Park
Havering Council says access to Beam Country Park can also be made from The Chase. Check current routes and access conditions before combining the sites.
What to look for
- 01
Look for the reserve’s rare native black poplars, shallow pools and reedbeds. The official reserve page also highlights snipe, teal, water rail, reed warblers, lapwing and little ringed plover
- 02
wildlife sightings vary.
The story
Industrial heritage; former gravel extraction
Best time to go
Year-round; migration periods are noted for rare visiting birds, while winter brings snipe and teal.
Migration periods offer the chance of unusual visiting birds, according to the reserve’s official parks page. Winter is also a good time to look for snipe and teal; sightings are never guaranteed.
How long to spend
1–2 hours; allow longer to explore the wider Eastbrookend Country Park
Perfect for
Wildlife lovers · Walkers · Families · Photographers
Before you go
Address
Phone
Website
Listed hours
- Monday: 9am-6pm
- Tuesday: 9am-6pm
- Wednesday: 9am-6pm
- Thursday: 9am-6pm
- Friday: 9am-6pm
- Saturday: 9am-6pm
- Sunday: 9am-6pm
Check before visiting.
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
A public nature reserve managed by Barking and Dagenham Council with London Wildlife Trust. Havering Council lists access from Upper Rainham Road; car parks are off Dagenham Road and near the visitor centre. Check current access and conditions before travelling.
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Parking
Havering Council lists car parks off Dagenham Road and near the visitor centre. Charges are not verified; check before visiting.
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Toilets
Public toilets, including an accessible toilet, are listed at Eastbrookend Discovery Centre. Check current availability.
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Food & drink
A café and seating area are listed at Eastbrookend Discovery Centre. Check opening and current service before visiting.
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Dogs
Dogs are allowed according to the supplied Google place data. The reserve’s current guidance says dogs should be kept under control and on a lead near play areas and lakes; check on-site signs for other restrictions.
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Accessibility
The Discovery Centre is described as fully accessible, but Havering Council says the reserve itself is not wheelchair accessible. Expect informal paths; check conditions and access options before setting out.
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Cost
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Check before visiting
Water
River, shallow pools and wetlands. Swimming or paddling permission is not established; do not assume these activities are allowed.
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around The Chase Local Nature Reserve
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
