Description
The main area of the Dagenham Chase reserve is the Slack, an area of shallow water that attracts winter wildfowl, waders and gulls. It has attracted Šljuka livadarka, Seda sprutka, Bela sprutka, Barski petlić and Strnadica ostrugašica over the years. More recently it has become a roosting area for Mala bela čaplja, in winter they can often be seen on sunny days on the south-facing side of brambles and other vegetation. Grogotovac are fairly regular in Spring, and Kos ogrličar sightings are fairly regular in April and early May. The Slack suffers from disturbance by dogs, people and Sparrowhawks, which means birds frequently do not stick around.
The surrrounding area is extensive hawthorn scrub, with open areas. By the river Rom (1) is a stand of rare Black Poplar trees, there is also large areas of grassland and enclosures with maturing trees in them. In cold weather the Eastbrook School Playing Fields (2) are an excellent site for Vivak, Gulls and Zlatni vivak, which are often dispersed by Kobac and more recently Sivi soko.
Details
Access
The Chase is situated along Dagenham Road and is well signposted from Rush Green Road, Rainham Roads South and North. Public Transport: The nearest tube station is Dagenham East (3) on the district line Map. If you are walking from here turn left, continue on to and walk across Reede Road, then use the crossing by the shops. The Chase can be accessed by taking the public footpath by the side of Ladbrokes the bookmakers. The 174 bus goes directly to the Chase, it can be boarded at Dagenham Heathway tube station on the district line or in Romford town centre.


