North Ockendon Pit

Site of Importance for Nature Conservation

HvBII38 North Ockendon Pit

Grid ref: TQ 591 844

Area (ha): 18.7

Borough(s): Havering

Site first notified: 01/03/2002 Boundary last changed: 01/03/2002

Citation last edited: 08/07/2002

Habitat: Neutral grassland (semi improved), tall herb, scrub, woodland, scattered trees, standing water, hedges,

An area of capped land dominated by couch grassland with areas of tall herbs dominated by nettle, bramble, creeping thistle and patience dock. Areas of raised spoil support scrub comprising dog-rose (planted), buddleia, grey willow, blackthorn and hawthorn with occasional planted oak, wild cherry and silver birch.

Hard standing just inside entrance from Ockendon Road has dry grassland with the London rarity narrow-leaved birdsfoot-trefoil, corn mint and oxeye daisy with abundant black medick, ribwort plantain, and creeping cinquefoil. Areas along N and W boundaries contain a number of ditches and pools full of brackish water (a result of capping with saline sediments), one in the west with sea club-rush and sea aster.

The site is moderately rich in plant species despite the dominance of couch and provides undisturbed habitat for a variety of birds.

Copyright L.B. Havering/Greater London Authority 2003