Langdon Hills/One Tree Hill
TQ 680863
By far the largest area of woodland in the Borough is the
Langdon Hills complex. This is a mixed woodland containing
many fine oaks as well as conifer plantations with adjacent
hillside meadows. During the summer months the area comes
under considerable pressure from visitors and many of the
area's interesting sites have been eroded. However, there
is still plenty for the naturalist to study although the
sparrowhawk, which once bred at Langdon Hills, is now rarely
seen.
Dunton Ridge TQ 666873
This is an area of unimproved pasture, plotlands and open
scrub and many of the plants which occur are relics of
cultivation. It is home to several localised plants including
pepper saxifrage (Silaum silaus) and a variety of vetches.
The insect life is diverse and the area holds a good bird
population. Access is from Lower Dunton Road.
Rainham Marsh TQ 527803
The area is of great interest to birdwatchers but, due to
the resumption of dredging activities, access is no longer
permitted. It has for many years been held in high esteem
for its odd migrant waders which frequent the many muddy
pools on passage, such as Temminck's stint, little ringed
plover and avocet. Duck are usually varied and numerous
during the winter months and raptors such as hen harrier
and short-eared owl are regular visitors, with the occasional
peregrine putting in an appearance.