Langdon is Special - It's Official

Well we have always known that Langdon Ridge is special but Natural England appears to have only just found out.

According to a report in the Essex Wildlife Summer/Autumn 2018 magazine, Natural England have just designated the Langdon Ridge as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

The area includes the Essex Wildlife Trust Langdon Nature Reserve, Dunton Plotlands, Langdon Hills Country Park, Marks Hill Wood (owned by the Essex Wildlife Trust but managed by the Basildon Natural History Society) and Willow Park. The designated area covers 345 hectares and will ensure that the land will now receive legal protection on account of its nationally significant array of grassland, woodlands, rare plants and invertebrate interests.

The new designation will ensure stronger protection for features such as wildflower-rich grasslands and woodland habitats, as well as rare species, such as the Deptford Pink flower and the Grizzled Skipper butterfly.

The Langdon Hills Nature Reserve contains a Sensory Garden, a Heritage Orchard and a Beatrix Potter-themed sculpture trail.

This achievement is thanks to the hard work and support of Natural England, Essex Wildlife Trust, Thurrock and Basildon Councils, Langdon Hills Living Landscape and Basildon Natural History Society.

Well I just hope that this decision has now saved our ridge from any possible future development, making the Dry Street development the last.