Geology Site Account

Site name: Stanford Warren Angling Lakes

Grid reference: TQ 689 815

Brief description of site:

The type section of the Mucking Gravel, representing the bed of the Thames some 150,000 years ago, is situated on private land used as angling lakes adjacent to Stanford Warren Nature Reserve (Essex Wildlife Trust).

The former gravel pit is now Stanford Warren Angling Lakes, which are an important fishery and habitat for birds such as Great crested grebes and Canada geese. Public access to the lakes is restricted to the car park but views can be obtained when following the nearby short circular walk. Close to the edge of the site is a fine, though small, exposure of gravel with scope for interpretation.

Exposure of Mucking Gravel at Stanford Warren Angling Lakes. Photo: G.Lucy