River Roding facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Roding
The Roding, just before reaching the Thames at Barking
Other name(s)	(Barking Creek)
Country	England
Counties	Essex, Greater London
Districts / Boroughs	Epping Forest, Uttlesford, Redbridge, Newham, Barking and Dagenham
Towns	The Rodings, Chipping Ongar, Loughton, Woodford Green, Ilford, Barking
Physical characteristics
Main source	Dunmow, Essex 93 m (305 ft) 51°52′55″N 0°19′07″E / 51.8820°N 0.3186°E / 51.8820; 0.3186
River mouth	River Thames Creekmouth 0 m (0 ft) 51°30′51″N 0°05′57″E / 51.5142°N 0.0993°E / 51.5142; 0.0993
Length	50 km (31 mi)
Discharge (location 2)	Location: Loughton Average rate: 1.41 m3/s (50 cu ft/s)
Discharge (location 3)	Location: High Ongar Average rate: 0.48 m3/s (17 cu ft/s)

The River Roding is a river in England that starts near Dunmow in Essex. It flows south through Essex and London. As it gets close to the River Thames, it forms a part known as Barking Creek.

The River Roding's Journey

The River Roding is about 50 kilometers (31 miles) long. It begins its journey in Essex, a county in England. The river flows through different towns and areas before reaching the famous River Thames.

From Source to Sea

The Roding starts at a place called Molehill Green, near Dunmow. From there, it flows through a group of eight or nine villages. These villages are all named "Roding" with different words in front, like High Roding or Margaret Roding.

After passing Chipping Ongar, the river goes under the M25 motorway. It then flows past towns like Passingford Bridge and Abridge.

Through London's Boroughs

The river continues its path between Loughton and Chigwell. Here, you can find a special place called the Roding Valley Meadows. This area is important for nature and wildlife.

The river then enters Woodford. The area of Redbridge gets its name from a crossing over the Roding. The river then flows through Ilford and Barking.

Near Barking, the river becomes tidal, meaning its water level changes with the ocean tides. This part is known as Barking Creek. It finally joins the River Thames at a place called Creekmouth. A special structure called the Barking Barrier helps protect the area from floods.

River Boundaries and Names

The River Roding also acts as a natural border in some places. In Essex, it forms part of the boundary between the Epping Forest district and the Brentwood borough.

In London, the river marks the southern border between the London Borough of Newham and the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham. The town of Ilford actually got its name from the river! "Ilford" comes from "Ilefort," which meant "ford on the River Hyle." "Hyle" was an old name for the lower part of the Roding.

Nature and Wildlife

Flood meadows by the river near Chigwell, looking towards Loughton, at Roding Valley Meadows Nature Reserve

The Roding Valley Meadows are a very important natural area. They are the largest remaining example of a river valley habitat in Essex that is still managed in a traditional way.

This area is a nature reserve. It has wet and dry hay meadows that are full of different plants and animals. The meadows are surrounded by thick hedges, bushes, and woodlands. It's a great place to see local wildlife.

You can visit the Roding Valley Meadows. The Roding Valley tube station is nearby, but Loughton or Buckhurst Hill stations might be easier to reach for a visit.