Cranham Marsh (Havering)
Brief Description
Now a nature reserve managed by Essex Wildlife Trust, Cranham Marsh is all that remains of a much larger area of marshland in Essex. The site today has woodland, ponds, marshland and old pastures, with remains of old hedgerows. A river, a tributary of the Mardyke in Thurrock, runs through Cranham Marsh. Some of the largest ash trees in Essex are found in Spring Wood, and to the east is a smaller woodland with oak and ash, Middle Wood. Parts of the woods are coppiced on a 12-year cycle.
Practical Information
- Site location:
- off Ockendon Road/Meadowside Road/Park Drive/Argyle Gardens/The Chase, Cranham
- Postcode:
- RM14
- What 3 Words:
- spots.behind.grain
- Type of site:
- Public Open Land
- Borough:
- Havering
- Open to public?
- Yes
- Opening times:
- unrestricted
- Special conditions:
- Facilities:
- Events:
- Public transport:
- Tube: Upminster (District) then bus. Bus: 248
- Research updated:
- 01/07/2010
- Last minor changes:
- 19/07/2023
Please check with the site owner or manager for latest news. www.essexwt.org.uk
Full Site Description
Now a nature reserve managed by Essex Wildlife Trust, Cranham Marsh is all that remains of a much larger area of marshland in Essex. It contains a variety of habitats including marsh, sedge fen that is one of the best surviving in Essex and ancient woodland. The area east of Upminster is part of Thames Chase. The site today has woodland, ponds, marshland and old pastures, with remains of old hedgerows. A river, a tributary of the Mardyke in Thurrock, runs through Cranham Marsh, and through Corbets Tey. Some of the largest ash trees in Essex are found in Spring Wood, and to the east is a smaller woodland with oak and ash, Middle Wood. Spring Wood is marked on OS (date?) as 'The Preserves' with a footpath nearby running to All Saints Church and Cranham Hall (q.q.v.). South Marsh used to be used for cattle grazing, since cut for hay, and has four drainage ditches bisecting it that are over 100 years old, formerly used to enclose grazing animals ('wet fences') and as beds for watercress beds, grown commercially here. Parts of the woods are coppiced on a 12-year cycle.
Sources consulted:
The Paul Drury Partnership for LB Havering, Cranham Conservation Area and Management Proposals (February 2007); Cranham Marsh leaflet, LB Havering
Further Information (Planning and Conservation)
- Grid ref:
- TQ567856 (557170,185400)
- Size in hectares:
- 13
- Site ownership:
- LB Havering leased to Essex Wildlife Trust
- Site management:
- LB Havering Countryside Management Service/Essex Wildlife Trust
- Date(s):
- Designer(s):
- Listed structures:
- None
- On National Heritage List for England (NHLE), Parks & Gardens:
No- Registered common or village green on Commons Registration Act 1965:
No- Protected under London Squares Preservation Act 1931:
No
Local Authority Data
The information below is taken from the relevant Local Authority's planning legislation, which was correct at the time of research but may have been amended in the interim. Please check with the Local Authority for latest planning information.
- On Local List:
- Yes
- In Conservation Area:
- Yes
- Conservation Area name:
- Cranham
- Tree Preservation Order:
- Not known
- Nature Conservation Area:
- Yes - Metropolitan Importance / SSSI
- Green Belt:
- Metropolitan Open Land:
- Special Policy Area:
- Local Nature Reserve
- Other LA designation:
- None
Please note the Inventory and its content are provided for your general information only and are subject to change. It is your responsibility to check the accuracy.