Cranham Brickfields facts for kids
Cranham Brickfields is a special place in Cranham, part of the London Borough of Havering. It covers about 8.5 hectares, which is like 12 football fields! This area is protected as a Local Nature Reserve, meaning it's a very important spot for nature and wildlife in London. It's also known as a "Site of Borough Importance for Nature Conservation, Grade I," which means it's one of the most important places for wildlife in the whole borough.
This amazing green space offers a mix of different habitats. You can find peaceful woodlands, a lovely pond, and bright wildflower meadows. There's also a grassy area with a fun children's playground, making it a great spot for families to visit and enjoy nature.
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What Makes Cranham Brickfields Special?
Cranham Brickfields is home to many different plants and animals. It's a fantastic place to discover wildlife right in the city!
Amazing Wildlife
You might be lucky enough to spot some cool creatures here.
- Birds: Look out for colourful bullfinches flying among the trees.
- Amphibians: The pond is home to great crested newts. These are special amphibians that need clean water and good habitats to survive.
- Insects: Keep an eye out for large stag beetles, which are one of Britain's biggest insects. You might also see beautiful green hairstreak butterflies fluttering around.
Rare Plants
Cranham Brickfields also protects some unique plants.
- Dyer's Greenweed: One plant you can find here is called dyer's greenweed. This plant is quite rare in London, making its presence here even more special. It has bright yellow flowers and was historically used to make yellow dye.
A Look Back in Time
This nature reserve has an interesting history before it became the peaceful place it is today.
From Clay to Bricks
Long ago, this area was used for digging up clay. This clay was then used to make bricks, which helped build many homes and buildings in the surrounding areas. This is why it's called "Brickfields"!
Growing Food for Victory
During the Second World War, the land was used for a very different purpose. As part of the "Dig for Victory" campaign, people grew vegetables here. This helped feed the country when food was scarce. It shows how important this land has been throughout history.
How to Visit Cranham Brickfields
It's easy to get to Cranham Brickfields and explore its natural beauty.
Access Points
You can enter the reserve from two main places:
- Sunnycroft Gardens
- Limerick Gardens
Footpath Connections
The London, Tilbury and Southend line railway runs along the northern edge of the site. There's a handy footpath that goes under the railway tracks, leading you directly to St Mary's Lane. This makes it easy to reach the reserve from different directions.
Cranham Brickfields is a wonderful example of how nature can thrive even in a busy city. It's a great place to learn about local wildlife, enjoy the outdoors, and discover a bit of history.
