The Ripple
25ac/10ha
Grid ref: TQ 467 824
Updated 31/12/2023.
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Set among the industrial landscape of Barking Reach, the Ripple was once a dumping area for pulverised fuel ash. Fuel ash creates a low-nutrient, alkaline soil and this in turn shapes the vegetation. Many pyramidal orchids and southern marsh orchids can be seen dotted throughout the birch woodland in May and June, and the new meadow nearby has swathes of native wildflowers, attracting a wide range of butterflies and other insects in summer and flocks of goldfinches in summer and autumn.
Visiting
Next to Thamesmead Park City Farm at the junction of Thames Road and Renwick Road in Barking.
Tube or train to Barking, then bus to end of its route in Thames View estate.
May to June for orchids.
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