The Sewage Works Site

History and Description

Wanstead Sewage Works - as it was originally called - originated in 1883-5 when the local board bought the site. A sewage farm is shown on the Ordnance Survey map of the area in 1894, and a map of 1919 shows also the filter beds of Wanstead Urban District Council. The site closed in 1978 and lay derelict and under the control of the Thames Water Authority. 

In the early 1980s the Department of Transport took control of the site, to be used as was suitable as an adjunct to the contemplated road-building schemes in the area, primarily the South Woodford to Barking Relief Road (Now the A406). The D.o.T. maintained ownership of the land after the road was completed, evidently to be used as "exchange" land for other road improvement schemes which would affect Epping Forest. 

A small area of the old sewage works was thought by the author to have been transferred into the ownership of the London Borough of Redbridge, also in the early 1980s. This was in compensation for land lost in that borough due to the A406 relief road. In order to gain access to this exchange land, a substantial new bridge (photo) was built across the River Roding, together with an extension of the tarmac road that runs from Wanstead Park Road into Wanstead Park Recreation Ground. The parcel of land - which effectively divided the rest of the original sewage works site into two detached areas - was cleared, and a grass field was laid. The Borough it seems originally had in mind that this be used as a recreation ground for field games by school children, but later thought that it might be used as an addition to the Ilford Golf Course which had lost two holes in the road-building. In fact, the land lay almost unused until 1994. The relatively few people that used it did so for such activities as family ball-games, dog-exercising, golf practice and such. It has usually been kept well mown, apart from a four-metre wide edge all around which was requested by the Wren Group as a gradation into the wilder Forest lands adjacent. Members of the Wren Group refer to this patch of land as "The Redbridge Field". In 2007, however, Thames Water Authority began digging a bore hole and it became apparent that the field was not owned by the L.B.Redbridge, but had presumably just been in its care.

The rest of the sewage works site remained until 1994 the property of the Department of Transport, and maintained a "Private" status. However, as may be supposed, increasingly the fences fell into disrepair, and increasingly people entered the area, though on a comparatively small scale. Over the years the vegetation grew up, and to most people the adjacent Park must have been more appealing than "the sewage works". But some people realised the amenity value of the land. The banks of the River Roding were used by anglers for fishing, and by others for walking. The river with the open land of the Golf Course on the opposite bank is an attractive place, and would be quiet but for the incessant noise of the A406 beyond. Bird watchers have appreciated the value of the area since before the works closed down. 

The river is an important migration route, and the surrounding park, forest, cemetery and other open land has a good selection of birds. Shortly after the works closed down, the nest and eggs of a red-legged partridge was found in brambles by the river bank, and pheasant were also present. Kingfishers were often seen, and probably nested along the river bank. In 1980 a report on the flora, fauna and ecological value of the site was compiled by local naturalist Colin Plant. In it he suggested that the Sewage Works and Wanstead Park complimented each other and were of equal ecological significance. He lists 14 species of mammal, 2 reptiles, 18 butterflies and many other insects, birds and plants. He concluded that in order to protect the ecological value of the Sewage Works, the site would benefit from being declared a Site of Special Scientific Interest. 

The site never has gained that status, but partly due to pressure from the Wren Group and other local people, did become part of Epping Forest. Prior to essential tidy-up and safety work being undertaken, members of the Group were consulted on the wildlife of the area and how it could best be both preserved and enhanced. Much of the information was gained from a survey of the plant life which was undertaken by members of the Group, primarily by Paul Ferris with assistance from Jennifer Charter and Ted Godden. The results were published in the 1996/97 issue of The Essex Naturalist as "The Flora of the old Redbridge (Southern) Sewage Works". A total of 237 of flowering plant species were listed in the report.

In 1982, the first mention was made in Corporation of London Epping Forest and Open Spaces Committee reports of the possibility of what was referred to as the Empress Sewage Works as being suitable for exchange land. From 1986, discussions with the London Borough of Redbridge and the Department of Transport took place. These discussions related to two areas of land - the 3.44 ha ( 8.5 acres) lying between Wanstead Park and the Cemetery, and the 4.64 ha (11.5 acres) by the River Roding known as the "wilderness" - as well as the parcel of land of approximately (5 acres) separating these two and already owned by the Borough. The road schemes which required Epping Forest land were the Hackney to M11 Link Road, The South Woodford to Barking Relief Road, and the A406 improvement Scheme. 

A number of different proposals were discussed, until by July 1993 the D.o.T. was prepared to offer the two areas of land amounting to 20 acres to Epping Forest, and for Redbridge apparently to retain management of the "field". 

Objections had been raised about the suitability of using old sewage works land for Epping Forest, and included references to the possibility of contamination by heavy metals. An independent survey was undertaken by the Environmental Safety Centre at Harwell, and the conclusion was that the land was suitable for the intended use, subject to some remedial work. The recommendations were that roads and clinker beds be covered with at least 1.5 feet of topsoil; the side walls of the filter beds be removed and the tanks leveled to the ground and covered with topsoil; areas of decomposed sewage sludge be covered with at least 1.5 feet of clean topsoil; any areas of tarmac be covered with 1.5 feet of topsoil if required. 

These recommendations were accepted, with the proviso that the D.o.T. finance this remedial work and also landscape the area as required by Epping Forest. Various discussions took place as to what landscaping was required, and local advise was sought in relation to the value of the area to wild-life including birds and plants. It was acknowledged that the area had already developed into a diverse, interesting and even attractive area, with some species of wild-flowers which - though they might not be particularly rare - should be preserved if possible. It was decided not to remove the kerbstones nor to put topsoil onto the road and trackways, because even these had their distinctive flora, including mosses and lichens. 

In late September 1993, work started on the 8.5 acre site (Areas 1,2,3,3a) with much earth moving machinery in use during the operation. However, a significant amount of care was taken by all concerned that as little damage be done to the site other than was necessary to comply with the final recommendations. The material used for the landscaping as both subsoil and topsoil was a slightly acidic sandy gravel. 

The work was completed in late October, and those areas where the soil had been disturbed or new soil laid were sown with grass seed which consisted of Festuca tenuifolia, Festuca ovina, Festuca rubra rubra, Cynosurus cristatus, Agrostis tenuis and Agrostis canina. Though the old fence between the area and Wanstead Park was removed, the associated embankment was maintained, and chestnut paling fences were temporarily erected to protect the newly grassed areas. (see photos of site in 1993) Also retained was a wire fence with three stiles which had been erected some years previously to delineate the field.  On 1 November 1993 this western part of the sewage works site was aquired as exchange land in compensation for loss of Forest land with the building of the Hackney Link road.

It was intended to start similar work on the "wilderness" - the 11.5 acre site (Areas 4,5,6) - early in 1994, but access was required for vehicles and personnel to work on the National Grid power-lines that cross the area. Access was obtained by way of Redbridge's tarmac road, but as a lot of vehicular movement of heavy material was required, a lovely almost country-like grass track was widened and had hard-core laid down. The compacted track at the top of the river bank on which grew an attractive and interesting variety of plants was similarly dealt with, and even what seems some quite unnecessary use was made of grassland areas for vehicles. Near the southern end of the old sewage works, by a pylon, a number of silver birch Betula pendula were either cut down or lopped, so that even before the proposed work for the Forest was carried out, some quite drastic and unpleasant changes were made. Pylon work was still continuing in June 1994, when the paling fences were taken down on the 8 acre site, and an access route was laid across the field so that renovation work could begin on the rest of the site. (see photos of site in 1994)

The Wilderness was aquired by the City of London Corporation as exchange land for Forest land lost to the M11 link road. It was evident that as this newly formed addition to Epping Forest developed, changes would occur in the species of plants to be found there. A survey of the plant life was undertaken and the results published in the 1996/97 issue of The Essex Naturalist as "The Flora of the old Redbridge (Southern) Sewage Works". It was hoped that in future this record of what was there could be compared to that which develops. Much of the information contained in these pages is based on that survey.

The site was allowed to settle down. The chestnut paling fences erected to protect newly-seeded areas were all removed, as were the wire fences and stiles that delineated the Redbridge Field. In 2002 just a short length of wire fence - much of it obscured by brambles - plus the remains of gate posts were still visible alongside the tarmac track at the north edge of Area 5 (the northern part of "The Wilderness").  The track that runs south from here towards the river took many years to recover from the rubble (mostly bricks) that were deposited as a support for the vehicles of the company doing the pylon work. Despite numerous mentions to the Conservators of Epping Forest over the years about the state of it - it remained dangerous and painful to walk upon. Only by about 2008 had it recovered sufficiently to be walked upon reasonably comfortably. The concrete fence separating the site from the bridle path by the City of London Cemetery is in a very poor state, though because of its position is not unduly intrusive or an immediate danger.

Some paths developed on the site, some disappeared - mostly the site was left to do its own thing and to be enjoyed by those that know it. However by 2000 there had been for some time a problem with overflowing water from drains near the entrance to the site near the Riding School. This appeared to be only surface water drainage, but caused the track into the site and across it (now part of the London Cycle Network) to be an almost permanent muddy stream. In the latter part of 2001, the hard standing - part of he original access roads - was used to store material for use on the re-embanking works taking place around the nearby Ornamental Water. The contractors who did the work were not monitored closely enough to prevent unnecessary damage to the site, making use of and driving over wildlife habitats. This together with the long-term problem with the blocked drains and an outpouring of water from a damaged water-supply point near the stables - for which it seems no-one would accept responsibility - gave rise to damage to at least two species of plants rare in the area and months of untidiness, mess and difficulty for people walking or cycling through the site.

Early in 2002, many of the kerbstones that were part of the original site - lining the aforementioned access roads - were removed. It had originally been agreed that these would be retained as they provided a habitat for mosses and lichens as well as providing a link to the historical design of the place and even somewhere to to tie up boot-laces and to sit! Some kerbstones were simply moved, and in 2004 were still on-site, but just in something of a heap! Later that year they were eventually removed. A thinning of the trees and undergrowth particularly near to the Dell Bridge access to the site also took place in 2002. This meant that now - from the park - the sewage works was no longer such a separate entity. The pleasure of going from one area to a different one was diminished. Since then, as is often the case with work carried out in Wanstead Park, the vegetation has been allowed to return.

In 2007, a works-site was set up in on the Redbridge Field on behalf of the Thames Water authority. The plan was to drill a borehole to tap into the aquifer some 80 metres below the surface. This was described in notices "to meet the challenges of increased demand, population growth and climate change" Work started on 16th July, and involved as well as the borehole the construction of a pipeline from the borehole to the Redbridge Treatment Works near the Redbridge Roundabout. By late 2007, much of Redbridge Field was being used as a site camp, with heavy vehicles having brought the machinery and pipe work in via Empress Avenue.

Initially, water from the new borehole was flushed directly into the nearby sewage system that runs below the site, to carry away the chemicals used in the drilling process (acids?), and whilst the water was being tested for suitability. Subsequently, the water was diverted into the nearby Ornamental Waters, which was getting desperately short of water. Millions of gallons were used in this operation, and very effectively re-filled the lake in a time of crisis. However, it must be said that in preparing a route for the proposed pipeline, a number of trees were destroyed at the north end of Wanstead Park, near to the Redbridge Treatment Works. (for notes, click here). As well, a significant area of Wanstead Park had barriers erected to prohibit people walking into construction areas considerably prior to any work being undertaken. This seems to me to be an example of contract work being undertaken on Epping Forest without any significant overseeing by the Conservators of Epping Forest.

By August 2008, work within the Sewage Works had ceased, although much material including pipes, hard-standings and fencing remained. On the plus side, the long-term problem with the leaking water-supply point near the Riding School entrance had been dealt with. Some new metal covers had been laid to protect the water-point, these being marked with Thames Water Authority markings. It is understood that the bore-hole has not produced the amount or possibly the quality of water that was hoped for. It is not known at this time (August 2008), what effects the presence of the borehole will have on the Exchange Lands, nor when the area will finally be tidied up.

During 2007 another threat to the area became apparent. This was the laying of a cycle path (part of the Roding Valley Way) from the foot-underpass near Little Ilford, alongside the eastern boundary of the City of London Cemetery, to eventually join up with the existing London Cycle Network route that runs east/west across the Exchange Lands. Although this could easily have been routed to continue immediately alongside the Cemetery fence, to exit into the east edge of Redbridge Field and thence along that edge to join the existing route, instead the hard-surface of the track was routed to finish exactly at the access to Epping Forest land - the Exchange Land! This was - presumably - before negotiations had been completed (or even undertaken?) with the City of London Corporation on the advisability of running a hard-surface cycle-route over Forest land. If this does happen, then a severe disturbance to both the wildlife and the tranquility and access to the Exchange lands by pedestrians - in my opinion - will occur. (See also "The Alders Brook" on this website)

On 20 August 2008 it was heard that a horse-ride had been created through the site. This was seen to originate at the main access to the site by the riding school. Through the gate, the route went southwards parallel to the allotments boundary fence, turned east at the corner alongside the meadow area, snaked across to "Redbridge Field" and around the south edge of that, and across the south Wilderness area to the boundary gate near the Roding. In addition, the lower (riverside) bank of the river defence had been mowed, allowing a horse-ride north along the river to the fresh water outlet.

Apparently, this had been done to accommodate - albeit temporarily - the horse-riders who had lost some of their ride over nearby parts of Epping Forest (Wanstead and Leyton Flats?) due to the works on the Beckton to Walthamstow water-pipeline.

Now, whilst this is understandable from the point of view of the horse-riders, no apparent thought had been given to the effect on the wildlife of the Exchange Lands, nor - I would say - on the impact to pedestrians!

Having been consulted in early 1993 on how best to create an environment that would enhance the wildlife and access to this part of Epping Forest, I am disturbed that in the creation of this horse-ride, lack of consultation has resulted in some of the best habitat being disturbed and - by the addition of inevitable horse-droppings - the potential for unwelcome changes occuring to the wildlife. In addition, when the route was walked on 22nd August, considerable pugging or poaching (damage to the surface caused by the impact of the horses hooves) had occurred along the Roding bank, making walking by pedestrians difficult. Plants that are damaged or may be affected include a variety of clovers (including Hare's-foot) and vetches, Salsify, Goat's-beard and hybrids of those, Grass Vetchling, Sedum acre, Shining Cranesbill, and even Orchids. As well, significant numbers of insects including Blue butterflies, Cinnabar Moths, Mother Shipton and Burnet Companion moths and mining bees and/or wasps. Also, there should be lots of Common Ragwort alongside the horse-ride - rich with Cinnabar moth caterpillars - and it is well-known that there are dangers to horses with regard aspects of this plant.

How can it be that with so much restriction of access to pedestrians particularly during the last couple of years because of a variety of works undertaken in the nearby area, provisions are so readily made for horse-riders at the expense of aspects of the natural habitat and pedestrians? (see also above)

For a review of the Wildlife of the old Sewage Works, Click Here