Highways Agency

Sites of Environmental Interest

Overview of Effects

The following sites of environmental interest are within the study area of the Scheme. These sites have been considered in the Environmental Statement and, in consideration of the design of the Scheme and the mitigation incorporated, no significant impacts on these sites have been identified.

Curtismill Green Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)

The site covers approximately 47 hectares of unimproved grassland and scrub. It has been designated a SSSI due to its varying soil conditions which give rise to both damp and dry grasslands containing nationally important species and which are uncommon, decreasing or unusual in the county. Notable species at Curtismill Green include Betony, Lesser Spearwort, Orange Foxtail, Pepper Saxifrage, Sneezewort and Yellow Rattle. Strawberry Clover is a plant normally found on the coast in Essex but unusually can be seen here. Curtismill Green also includes a small area of wet alder (Alnus glutinosa) woodland. Reported unfavourable conditions at Curtismill Green SSSI are attributed to inappropriate scrub and weed control and undergrazing. No long term impacts from the Scheme have been predicted at this site.

Barber's Wood Local Wildlife Site

Local Wildlife Sites are non-statutory sites. These sites provide an invaluable contribution to the diversity and survival of locally important species and habitats. Some sites are designated as both Local Wildlife Site and Ancient Woodland. A Local Wildlife Site can be any type of habitat including hedgerows, woodland, grassland and ponds. Mature pedunculate oak – hornbeam (Quercus robur – Carpinus betulus) woodland is present at this site.

Shales More Ancient Woodland

Ancient Woodlands are non-statutory sites. These sites provide an invaluable contribution to the diversity and survival of locally important species and habitats. Some sites are designated as both Local Wildlife Site and Ancient Woodland. Ancient Woodland is generally land which has had continuous wooded cover since around 1600 AD. Scattered blocks of mature oak-hornbeam woodland occur intermittently on either side of the motorway. Buffer habitats such as plantation woodland and semi-improved grassland or scrub exist between the woodlands. Potential dormouse habitat exists in the ancient woodland blocks outside of the highway boundary. These areas are characterised by broad-leaved species such as pedunculate oak, hazel and ash and many are connected to woodland on the verges, which may also support dormice. The Stag beetle is most commonly associated with ancient woodland with mature trees. Mature pedunculate oak – hornbeam (Quercus robur – Carpinus betulus) woodland occurs here and Bluebell (Hyancinthoides non-scriptus) has been recorded in the ground flora at this site. 

Hilly Spring Ancient Woodland

Ancient Woodlands are non-statutory sites. These sites provide an invaluable contribution to the diversity and survival of locally important species and habitats. Some sites are designated as both Local Wildlife Site and Ancient Woodland. Ancient Woodland is generally land which has had continuous wooded cover since around 1600 AD. Scattered blocks of mature oak-hornbeam woodland occur intermittently on either side of the motorway. Buffer habitats such as plantation woodland and semi-improved grassland or scrub exist between the woodlands. Potential dormouse habitat exists in the ancient woodland blocks outside of the highway boundary. These areas are characterised by broad-leaved species such as pedunculate oak, hazel and ash. Bluebell (Hyancinthoides non-scriptus) has been recorded in several Ancient Woodlands outside of highway boundary and the Stag beetle is most commonly associated with ancient woodland with mature trees. Hilly Spring LWS is a linear wood, which although of ancient status supports relatively few species. 

Watton's Green Local Wildlife Site

Local Wildlife Sites are non-statutory sites. These sites provide an invaluable contribution to the diversity and survival of locally important species and habitats. Some sites are designated as both Local Wildlife Site and Ancient Woodland. A Local Wildlife Site can be any type of habitat including hedgerows, woodland, grassland and ponds. Hedgerows occur throughout Section 4 and are typically dominated by hawthorn and blackthorn (Prunus spinosa). English elm (Ulmus procera) is also an occasional component but in all cases has been badly affected by Dutch elm disease. A number of unmanaged hedgerows form the boundary of fields and linear corridors (e.g. railways) within Section 4 although Very few hedgerows occur along the motorway verge boundary. Semi-mature broad-leaved and mixed plantations are present along both sides of the motorway interspersed with open areas of semi-improved grassland dominated by false-oat grass and common forb and ruderal species. Semi-improved neutral grassland is widely distributed within the area. This habitat supports plant species such as wild parsnip (Pastinaca sativa), common fleabane (Pulicaria dysenterica), bristly oxtongue (Picris echioides), viper's bugloss (Echium vulgare) and lady's bedstraw (Galium verum). It is often associated with scattered and dense patches of scrub such as bramble, gorse and hawthorn.

The Oaks Local Wildlife Site

Local Wildlife Sites are non-statutory sites. These sites provide an invaluable contribution to the diversity and survival of locally important species and habitats. Some sites are designated as both Local Wildlife Site and Ancient Woodland. A Local Wildlife Site can be any type of habitat including hedgerows, woodland, grassland and ponds. Hedgerows occur throughout Section 4 and are typically dominated by hawthorn and blackthorn (Prunus spinosa). English elm (Ulmus procera) is also an occasional component but in all cases has been badly affected by Dutch elm disease. A number of unmanaged hedgerows form the boundary of fields and linear corridors (e.g. railways) within Section 4 although Very few hedgerows occur along the motorway verge boundary. Semi-mature broad-leaved and mixed plantations are present along both sides of the motorway interspersed with open areas of semi-improved grassland dominated by false-oat grass and common forb and ruderal species. Semi-improved neutral grassland is widely distributed within the area. This habitat supports plant species such as wild parsnip (Pastinaca sativa), common fleabane (Pulicaria dysenterica), bristly oxtongue (Picris echioides), viper's bugloss (Echium vulgare) and lady's bedstraw (Galium verum). It is often associated with scattered and dense patches of scrub such as bramble, gorse and hawthorn. Bluebell (Hyancinthoides non-scriptus) has been recorded in the ground flora of this site.

The Osiers and Weald Brook North Ancient Woodland

Ancient Woodlands are non-statutory sites. These sites provide an invaluable contribution to the diversity and survival of locally important species and habitats. Some sites are designated as both Local Wildlife Site and Ancient Woodland. Ancient Woodland is generally land which has had continuous wooded cover since around 1600 AD. Scattered blocks of mature oak-hornbeam woodland occur intermittently on either side of the motorway. Buffer habitats such as plantation woodland and semi-improved grassland or scrub exist between the woodlands. Potential dormouse habitat exists in the ancient woodland blocks outside of the highway boundary. These areas are characterised by broad-leaved species such as pedunculate oak, hazel and ash and many are connected to woodland on the verges, which may also support dormice. The Stag beetle is most commonly associated with ancient woodland with mature trees. Bluebell (Hyancinthoides non-scriptus) has been recorded in the ground flora of this site.

Curtis Plantation Local Wildlife Site

Local Wildlife Sites are non-statutory sites. These sites provide an invaluable contribution to the diversity and survival of locally important species and habitats. Some sites are designated as both Local Wildlife Site and Ancient Woodland. A Local Wildlife Site can be any type of habitat including hedgerows, woodland, grassland and ponds. Semi-mature broad-leaved and mixed plantations are present along both sides of the motorway interspersed with open areas of semi-improved grassland dominated by false-oat grass and common forb and ruderal species. Mature pedunculate oak – hornbeam (Quercus robur – Carpinus betulus) woodland which includes a small amount of silver birch with some coppiced hornbeam and sweet chestnut is present at this site. A patchy shrub layer includes elder, holly and elm, with honeysuckle and bramble below.

Tyler's Hall Pond Local Wildlife Site

Local Wildlife Sites are non-statutory sites. These sites provide an invaluable contribution to the diversity and survival of locally important species and habitats. Some sites are designated as both Local Wildlife Site and Ancient Woodland. A Local Wildlife Site can be any type of habitat including hedgerows, woodland, grassland and ponds. This is a fairly large pond surrounded on three sides by willows (Salix spp.). There is extensive marginal vegetation on the shallow, poached banks including branched bur-reed (Sparganium erectum), gypsywort (Lycopus europaeus), water mint (Mentha aquatica), watercress (Rorippa nasturtium-aquatica) and various rushes (Juncus spp.). Broad-leaved pondweed (Potamogeton natans) and spiked water-milfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum) are abundant beneath the water.

Codham Hall Wood Ancient Woodland

Ancient Woodlands are non-statutory sites. These sites provide an invaluable contribution to the diversity and survival of locally important species and habitats. Some sites are designated as both Local Wildlife Site and Ancient Woodland. Ancient Woodland is generally land which has had continuous wooded cover since around 1600 AD. Potential dormouse habitat exists in the ancient woodland blocks outside of the highway boundary. These areas are characterised by broad-leaved species such as pedunculate oak, hazel and ash and many are connected to woodland on the verges, which may also support dormice. The Stag beetle is most commonly associated with ancient woodland with mature trees. This site contains ancient hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) coppice with pedunculate oak (Quercus robur) standards. The ground flora is dominated by bramble (Rubus fruticosus agg.) and bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta), and wild service-tree (Sorbus torminalis) is frequent along the bank forming the western boundary of the wood.

Tomkyns East Pastures Local Wildlife Site

Local Wildlife Sites are non-statutory sites. These sites provide an invaluable contribution to the diversity and survival of locally important species and habitats. Some sites are designated as both Local Wildlife Site and Ancient Woodland. A Local Wildlife Site can be any type of habitat including hedgerows, woodland, grassland and ponds. This site comprises a sizeable area of grassland and areas of scrub. Semi-improved neutral grassland is widely distributed within the area. This habitat supports plant species such as wild parsnip (Pastinaca sativa), common fleabane (Pulicaria dysenterica), bristly oxtongue (Picris echioides), viper's bugloss (Echium vulgare) and lady's bedstraw (Galium verum). It is often associated with scattered and dense patches of scrub such as bramble, gorse and hawthorn. Boundaries to this site include hedgerows and treeline which includes mature ash (Fraxinus excelsior), pedunculate oak (Quercus robur), hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) and elm (Ulmus sp.). The area is generally sunny and sheltered and includes wet areas which are likely to support a diverse invertebrate community.

Jackson's Wood and Tyler's Shaw Ancient Woodland

Ancient Woodlands are non-statutory sites. These sites provide an invaluable contribution to the diversity and survival of locally important species and habitats. Some sites are designated as both Local Wildlife Site and Ancient Woodland. Ancient Woodland is generally land which has had continuous wooded cover since around 1600 AD. Scattered blocks of mature oak-hornbeam woodland occur intermittently on either side of the motorway. Buffer habitats such as plantation woodland and semi-improved grassland or scrub exist between the woodlands. Potential dormouse habitat exists in the ancient woodland blocks outside of the highway boundary. These areas are characterised by broad-leaved species such as pedunculate oak, hazel and ash and many are connected to woodland on the verges, which may also support dormice. Bluebell (Hyancinthoides non-scriptus) has been recorded in several Ancient Woodlands outside of highway boundary and the Stag beetle is most commonly associated with ancient woodland with mature trees.

Hobbs Hole Ancient Woodland

Ancient Woodlands are non-statutory sites. These sites provide an invaluable contribution to the diversity and survival of locally important species and habitats. Some sites are designated as both Local Wildlife Site and Ancient Woodland. Ancient Woodland is generally land which has had continuous wooded cover since around 1600 AD. Scattered blocks of mature oak-hornbeam woodland occur intermittently on either side of the motorway. Buffer habitats such as plantation woodland and semi-improved grassland or scrub exist between the woodlands. Potential dormouse habitat exists in the ancient woodland blocks outside of the highway boundary. These areas are characterised by broad-leaved species such as pedunculate oak, hazel and ash and many are connected to woodland on the verges, which may also support dormice. Hobbs Hole contains these species as well as alder, sweet chestnut, sycamore, English elm, holly and hawthorn.  The Stag beetle is most commonly associated with ancient woodland with mature trees. Bluebell (Hyancinthoides non-scriptus) has been recorded at this site. Other ground flora includes ivy, cleavers and common nettle.

Puddleduck Angling Centre and Warley Street Drain Local Wildlife Site

Local Wildlife Sites are non-statutory sites. These sites provide an invaluable contribution to the diversity and survival of locally important species and habitats. Some sites are designated as both Local Wildlife Site and Ancient Woodland. A Local Wildlife Site can be any type of habitat including hedgerows, woodland, grassland and ponds.

Hall Farm Moat, Paddock and Churchyard Local Wildlife Site

Local Wildlife Sites are non-statutory sites. These sites provide an invaluable contribution to the diversity and survival of locally important species and habitats. Some sites are designated as both Local Wildlife Site and Ancient Woodland. A Local Wildlife Site can be any type of habitat hedgerows, woodland, grassland and ponds. Hall Farm moat is made up of three water bodies. The smallest northern pond contains abundant curled pondweed (Potamogeton crispus). The central pond is used for angling and supports species such as purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria), great reedmace (Typha latifolia) and amphibious bistort (Persicaria amphibia). Scattered crack willow (Salix fragilis), oak (Quercus robur) and ash (Fraxinus excelsior) trees grow on the banks. The banks are sandy and in places contain the burrows of solitary wasps. The southern lake is also used for angling. The banks are mainly grassy but with frequent shrubs and trees, especially on the northern bank, where a hedge has also been planted. Hedgerows occur throughout Section 4 and are typically dominated by hawthorn and blackthorn (Prunus spinosa). English elm (Ulmus procera) is also an occasional component but in all cases has been badly affected by Dutch elm disease. The churchyard is notable for containing species-rich grassland. This habitat supports plant species such as wild parsnip (Pastinaca sativa), common fleabane (Pulicaria dysenterica), bristly oxtongue (Picris echioides), viper's bugloss (Echium vulgare) and lady's bedstraw (Galium verum). It is often associated with scattered and dense patches of scrub such as bramble, gorse and hawthorn. The churchyard contains a fine avenue of lime (Tilia sp.) trees along the path and the grass is mown very short so may contain other species of interest.

Railside Land at Havering Local Wildlife Site

Local Wildlife Sites are non-statutory sites. These sites provide an invaluable contribution to the diversity and survival of locally important species and habitats. Some sites are designated as both Local Wildlife Site and Ancient Woodland. A Local Wildlife Site can be any type of habitat including hedgerows, woodland, grassland and ponds.
Havering's railsides form a network of valuable undisturbed habitats, acting as corridors for wildlife. Most of the railside sites are wooded with ash (Fraxinius excelsior), oak (Quercus robur), and sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus) present. Scrub of elm (Ulmus spp.) and hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) is also widespread. Grassland dominated by false oat-grass (Arrhenatherum elatius), nettle (Urtica dioica), rosebay willowherb (Chamerion angustifolium), cow parsley (Anthriscus sylvestris) and Chinese mugwort (Artemisia verlotiorum) can also be found here.

Freeman's Shaw Local Wildlife Site

Local Wildlife Sites are non-statutory sites. These sites provide an invaluable contribution to the diversity and survival of locally important species and habitats. Some sites are designated as both Local Wildlife Site and Ancient Woodland. A Local Wildlife Site can be any type of habitat including hedgerows, woodland, grassland and ponds. Hedgerows occur throughout Section 4 and are typically dominated by hawthorn and blackthorn (Prunus spinosa). English elm (Ulmus procera) is also an occasional component but in all cases has been badly affected by Dutch elm disease. A number of unmanaged hedgerows form the boundary of fields and linear corridors (e.g. railways) within Section 4 although Very few hedgerows occur along the motorway verge boundary. Semi-mature broad-leaved and mixed plantations are present along both sides of the motorway interspersed with open areas of semi-improved grassland dominated by false-oat grass and common forb and ruderal species. Semi-improved neutral grassland is widely distributed within the area. This habitat supports plant species such as wild parsnip (Pastinaca sativa), common fleabane (Pulicaria dysenterica), bristly oxtongue (Picris echioides), viper's bugloss (Echium vulgare) and lady's bedstraw (Galium verum). It is often associated with scattered and dense patches of scrub such as bramble, gorse and hawthorn.

M25 Embankments Ecological Corridor Local Wildlife Site

Local Wildlife Sites are non-statutory sites. These sites provide an invaluable contribution to the diversity and survival of locally important species and habitats. Some sites are designated as both Local Wildlife Site and Ancient Woodland. A Local Wildlife Site can be any type of habitat including hedgerows, woodland, grassland and ponds. As typical with a motorway, semi-improved neutral grassland is widely distributed within the verges at this site. Semi-improved neutral grassland supports plant species such as wild parsnip (Pastinaca sativa), common fleabane (Pulicaria dysenterica), bristly oxtongue (Picris echioides), viper's bugloss (Echium vulgare) and lady's bedstraw (Galium verum). It is often associated with scattered and dense patches of scrub such as bramble, gorse and hawthorn.

Oak Wood Ancient Woodland

Ancient Woodlands are non-statutory sites. These sites provide an invaluable contribution to the diversity and survival of locally important species and habitats. Some sites are designated as both Local Wildlife Site and Ancient Woodland. Ancient Woodland is generally land which has had continuous wooded cover since around 1600 AD. Scattered blocks of mature oak-hornbeam woodland occur intermittently on either side of the motorway. Buffer habitats such as plantation woodland and semi-improved grassland or scrub exist between the woodlands. Potential dormouse habitat exists in the ancient woodland blocks outside of the highway boundary. These areas are characterised by broad-leaved species such as pedunculate oak, hazel and ash and many are connected to woodland on the verges, which may also support dormice. Bluebell (Hyancinthoides non-scriptus) has been recorded in several Ancient Woodlands outside of highway boundary and the Stag beetle is most commonly associated with ancient woodland with mature trees.

Brick Kiln Wood Ancient Woodland

Ancient Woodlands are non-statutory sites. These sites provide an invaluable contribution to the diversity and survival of locally important species and habitats. Some sites are designated as both Local Wildlife Site and Ancient Woodland. Ancient Woodland is generally land which has had continuous wooded cover since around 1600 AD. Scattered blocks of mature oak-hornbeam woodland occur intermittently on either side of the motorway. Buffer habitats such as plantation woodland and semi-improved grassland or scrub exist between the woodlands. Potential dormouse habitat exists in the ancient woodland blocks outside of the highway boundary. These areas are characterised by broad-leaved species such as pedunculate oak, hazel and ash and many are connected to woodland on the verges, which may also support dormice. Bluebell (Hyancinthoides non-scriptus) has been recorded in several Ancient Woodlands outside of highway boundary and the Stag beetle is most commonly associated with ancient woodland with mature trees.