Waltham Abbey SSSI

Waltham Abbey SSSI is a 34.2 hectare biological Site of Special Scientific Interest which is located within the Waltham Abbey Royal Gunpowder Mills at Waltham Abbey in Essex.[1][2]

Waltham Abbey SSSI
Site of Special Scientific Interest
Water-wheeled gunpowder press located on the site
Area of SearchEssex
Grid referenceTL376020
InterestBiological
Area84.5 (ac) 34.2 (ha)
Notification1986
Location mapMagic map

History

For 300 years the area was cut off from its surroundings by river boundaries and the highly secret nature of its work. The site was finally closed in 1991. Decontamination work was carried out between 1992-96 and the site opened to the public in 2001.[3]

Location

The woodland site lies to the north of the present day Gunpowder Mills and is bounded by the River Lee Flood Relief Channel to the north and west while the Cornmill Stream forms its eastern boundary.

Description

The site is alder woodland on damp soils, with other trees including sycamore, ash and crack willow. The trees were planted around 1700 to provide charcoal for the manufacture of gunpowder, and planting ceased at the time of the First World War. The wood has the largest heronry in Essex, which was present in 1974 and had 26 pairs in 1984. Other birds include tawny owls, tree sparrows, reed warblers, sedge warblers and blackcaps.[1]

Access

Access is from Beaulieu Drive and there is a charge for entry.[4]

Public transport

Rail

References
  1. "Waltham Abbey citation" (PDF). Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Natural England. Retrieved 8 August 2016.
  2. "Map of Waltham Abbey". Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Natural England. Retrieved 8 August 2016.
  3. Chronology of the Gun Powder Mills Retrieved 15 September 2009 Archived 31 August 2009 at the Wayback Machine
  4. "Plan Your Visit". Royal Gunpowder Mills. Retrieved 8 August 2016.

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