What is Berengrave LNR (Local Nature Reserve)?

 

Berengrave Local Nature Reserve forms part of the larger Riverside Country Park. Both the Country Park and the reserve are owned and managed by Medway Council

 

Address for correspondence:

        Medway Council

        Riverside Country Park

        Lower Rainham Road

        Gillingham

        Kent

        ME7 2XH                    e-mail  riversidecp@medway.gov.uk

 

Approximate centre of reserve:

Lat -Long:  51⁰ 22’ 31” N – 00⁰ 36’ 55” E

OS Grid Reference:  820670 (Sheet No. 178)

 

 

 

 

Management Plan (Click here)

 

Feedback from the 'Green Flag Award' judges (Click here)

 

 

The reserve lies between the residential area of north Rainham and the River Medway. It covers an area of approximately 15 hectares (37 acres) and is bisected by the B2004 (Lower Rainham Road)

 

The part of the reserve to the north of the Lower Rainham Road is known as Rainham Dock East (RDE) and is the site of the old British Standard Cement Company's works at Motney Hill.  To the south of the Lower Rainham Road is the old Rainham Chalk Pit which supplied chalk to the cement works

 

As well as the whole site having Local Nature Reserve status, part of Rainham Dock East is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), whilst the chalk pit is a Site of Nature Conservation Interest (SNCI) (Now known as 'Local Wildlife Sites')

 

Since cement production ceased in 1931, both areas have been taken over by nature. The northern part is mainly scrub, with some open ground, a small amount of woodland and a reed bed which is one of the largest of its type in the UK. The old chalk pit has a small lake (picture above) with a reed bed, which floods into an area of willow carr. The drier areas and sides of the pit contain woodland and mature scrub, with a small area of glades.

 

There are few mammals in residence, other than rabbits, squirrels and small rodents, but bird watchers will find the area of interest.

 

 

Rainham Dock East is adjacent to the River Medway, which has an international reputation for hosting migratory ducks, waders and other sea birds. Cross over Motney Hill Road from Rainham Dock East to the Rainham Dock itself and you will have an excellent view of the birds if you get there about 1 hour before high tide. The RSPB reserve at Motney Hill is only a few yards away, although this is not open to the public. The reed bed in Rainham Dock East is not open to the public either, but it can we seen from the top of the sea wall which runs along the western side of Motney Hill Road.

 

The lake in the southern part of the reserve has permanent residents like coot and moorhen, which are joined in the summer by little grebe, reed and sedge warblers. Grey herons, from the heronry at Northwood Hill, sometimes visit to fish in the lake. Woodland species include chiffchaff, blackcap, blue tit, great tit, long-tailed tit, green and great spotted woodpeckers. Kingfishers, nuthatches and tree creepers can occasionally be seen. In winter months redpolls and bramblings can be found feeding on the seeds of birch and other species, or roosting with flocks of finches, whilst goldcrests often associate with winter flocks of tits.

 

PLEASE NOTE:

 

Adders live in this reserve. Please do not disturb them. It is illegal to kill or injure an adder. They can be dangerous to young children and dogs, but are unlikely to cause serious injury to a healthy adult. (Adder bite)

 

The southern area (chalk pit) is not suitable for those with mobility difficulties. On the eastern side of the pit there are a number of flights of steps to be negotiated between the floor and top of the pit. Other sections of path become slippery in wet weather. Trip hazards exist in the form of uneven ground and tree roots growing through paths. There are some steep drops close to path edges 

 

There are no facilities in either part of this reserve.

 

The visitor centre at Riverside Country Park, 1.6km (1 mile) away, has:

        Toilets

        Disabled toilets

        Baby changing facilities

        Café

        Childrens play area (Dog-free zone)

 

 

PLEASE HELP MAINTAIN BERENGRAVE RESERVE FOR THE BENEFIT

OF THE FLORA, FAUNA AND FUTURE GENERATIONS OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC

 

•  DO NOT disturb wildlife

•  DO NOT damage trees

•  DO NOT pick wild flowers. (Ref: Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, et sec)

•  DO NOT disturb nesting birds, their nests, eggs or young. (Ref: Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, et sec)

•  NO HUNTING Airweapons and firearms are illegal in the reserve. The police will be notified

•  NO CYCLING in the chalk pit area of the reserve as it is destructive to the paths and could be hazardous 
    to the cyclist and to other visitors. Cycling is permitted on surfaced paths only

•  NO MOTORCYCLES anywhere in the reserve  (Ref: The Police Reform Act 2002)
•  NO FISHING Abandoned line and hooks are deadly to wildlife
•  NO FIRES anywhere in the reserve
•  DOGS must be kept on a lead in the chalk pit area of the reserve, but can run free in Rainham Dock East. 
    In both areas the dog must be under control at all times
    Clean up after your dog (Penalty for not doing so is £1,000)  (Ref: Dog Fouling of Land Act 1996, et seq)