Beam Valley Country Park

Beam Valley Country Park is a 74-hectare park in Dagenham in the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham.^[1] Most of it is designated as a Local Nature Reserve (LNR) called Beam Valley,^[2][3] but a narrow strip next to the River Beam south from Western Avenue is a separate LNR called Beam Valley (Environment Agency).^[4][5] The park is also designated as two Sites of Borough Importance for Nature Conservation, Grade 1, one north and the other south of South Dagenham Road.^[6][7][8]

River Beam in Beam Valley Country Park

The park was formerly derelict land. It has woodland and grassland, former gravel pits and the River Beam and Wantz Stream.^[2] Birds found on the site include kingfishers, reed warblers, reed buntings and skylarks.^[9] There is archaeological evidence that the site has been used since the Stone Age, and it also has a Roman pottery kiln.^[1]

In 2014 Beam Valley Country Park was connected to Bretons Manor when a new pedestrian and cycling bridge was installed over the River Beam by Sustrans.^[10]

51.544°N 0.179°E / 51.544; 0.179