Ingrebourne Valley facts for kids
Ingrebourne Valley is a fantastic nature area in Hornchurch, London. It's a special place called a local nature reserve. This means it's protected so that plants, animals, and birds can live there safely.
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Discover Ingrebourne Valley
Ingrebourne Valley is located in Hornchurch, which is part of the London Borough of Havering. The local council, Havering Council, owns and looks after this amazing place. There's also a visitor centre run by the Essex Wildlife Trust. This centre helps people learn more about the valley's wildlife.
Most of the valley is found inside Hornchurch Country Park. It stretches along the River Ingrebourne. You can also find parts of the reserve north and south of the park.
What Makes Ingrebourne Valley Special?
This nature reserve has many different types of natural areas. You can find peaceful woodlands, open grasslands, and even marshy areas near the river. This mix of habitats makes it a perfect home for many different creatures.
Amazing Wildlife to Spot
Ingrebourne Valley is a very important place for wildlife. Many different plants, animals, and birds live here. Keep an eye out for some unique residents!
For example, you might spot the great crested newt. This is a special type of amphibian. You could also see slow worms, which are legless lizards that look like snakes. The tiny harvest mouse also calls the valley home. And don't forget the water vole, a small rodent that loves to live near rivers.
Why Ingrebourne Valley is Protected
The valley is part of a bigger network of protected areas. Hornchurch Country Park itself is a very important site for nature. Ingrebourne Valley is also recognized as a "Site of Metropolitan Importance for Nature Conservation." This means it's super important for nature across London.
Part of the valley is also within the Ingrebourne Marshes Site of Special Scientific Interest. This is another special protection status. All these protections help make sure the valley's unique habitats and wildlife are safe for the future.
Visiting Ingrebourne Valley
If you want to explore Ingrebourne Valley, there's a car park available. You can find it at the northern end of the reserve, just off Hacton Lane. The visitor centre is a great place to start your visit and learn more.
