Dunton Plotlands facts for kids
The Dunton Plotlands was a special area in Dunton Wayletts, a village in southern Essex, England. From the 1930s to the 1980s, many people lived here in small, simple homes built on little pieces of land. Dunton Plotlands is located near Laindon and the Langdon Hills, close to the edge of the Basildon area today.
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A Look Back: History of the Plotlands
What Were the Plotlands?
The 'plotlands' were small areas of land that were sold off in the early 1900s. People bought these plots to build different kinds of homes. Some built small cottages for weekend getaways or holidays. Others created tiny farms called smallholdings. Many of the people who built weekend homes here came from London, looking for a peaceful escape from the busy city.
Life During World War II
When Second World War started, many people who used their plots only on weekends decided to move there permanently. They wanted to escape the dangers of the Blitz, which was a period of heavy bombing in British cities. During this time, the Dunton Plotlands had its largest population, with as many as 25,000 people living there. Life was simple, often with dirt roads and limited water supplies.
Becoming Part of Basildon
After the Second World War, a new plan was made for the area. Basildon was chosen to become a New Town. This meant that the government planned to build a whole new town, and it included the plotlands in Dunton and nearby areas like Laindon and Pitsea. Over time, the government bought the land from the people living there. This process, called compulsory purchase, meant the land was bought for the new town's development. Because of this, the plotlands slowly became empty.
Dunton Plotlands Today: A Nature Reserve
Protecting the Area
Today, the Dunton Plotlands is a protected area. It is part of the Essex Wildlife Trust's Langdon Nature Reserve. This means the land is looked after to protect its natural beauty and wildlife.
Visiting the Plotlands
Visitors can learn about the area at the Langdon Visitor Centre. There is also the Haven Plotlands Museum, which is set up inside an old bungalow. This museum shows what life was like in the plotlands and teaches about the local nature.
The Plotlands area is still very wooded. You can still see a few of the original cottages and the old paths that formed a grid. Visitors can even explore a preserved bungalow to see how people used to live. Many events about wildlife are held here throughout the year, making it a great place to learn about nature.
