Thurrock Stepping Stones

Thurrock’s history of industry has left a legacy of diverse brownfields, which now support nationally rare and scarce species, however, Thurrock’s brownfields are under threat from the intense development pressure of the Thames Estuary which was highlighted by our All of a Buzz in the Thames Gateway project. The Thurrock Stepping Stones project created new opportunities for the special invertebrates in the region and help ensure their future.

We worked with the Essex Wildlife Trust to create habitat for invertebrates on two of their popular brownfield nature reserves:

Thurrock Thameside Nature Park is a former landfill site which once received 15% of London’s waste, but is now a developing haven for the region’s wildlife. The site benefitted from a brownfield educational area with interpretation, sandy nesting areas for ground-nesting bees and wasps, and disturbed wildflower areas.

Chafford Gorges Nature Park is a network of former chalk quarries which supports nationally important assemblages of bees, wasps and flies. Habitat works included a network of sand topped chalk bunds, scrub clearance, wildflower enhancements, re-opening sand cliff faces and an educational green wall.

The project also undertook extensive expert surveys to improve our knowledge and understanding of the sites. A broad programme of community engagement was delivered, including bug hunts, moth trapping, volunteer work parties, bumblebee identification training and bug home making.