This is an environmentally-aware community farm with a variety of features for wildlife, including nest boxes in trees and hibernacula for bats. It is a well-used resource for local schools both on site and as a result of outreach work. Additionally, after school and summer holiday activities regularly take place where training and volunteering opportunities are offered. The farm is open to the public daily from 9am to 3.30pm, and is fully accessible to wheelchair users. Schools and groups wanting a formal visit must book in advance by telephone.
Local Wildlife Site
Accessible Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation
Wellgate Community Farm
Borough: Barking and Dagenham
Grade: Local
Access: Free public access (all/most of site)
Area: 0.66 ha
Description
Wildlife
The farm is a relatively small area but includes a number of habitats. There is a small, created pond planted with native aquatic plants, including yellow iris. Smooth newts have colonised the pond, and there have also been reports of the protected great crested newt. There is a reasonably mature hedge (particularly along the western edge of the site) dominated by hawthorn but also includes bullace, Midland hawthorn and a little ash and oak. Parts are cultivated as flowerbeds (with insect attractive herbs included) and vegetables. There are also areas of semi-improved grassland dominated by creeping bent and rye-grass, but also supporting some herb species including birds-foot-trefoil and selfheal.Facilities
Animal/bird enclosure; Car parking; Information; Picnic Area; Shop; Baby Changing Area; Toilets
No photo yet available for this site
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