Beam Parklands

About Beam Parklands

Beam Parklands is a unique riverside landscape where nature, history, and vital infrastructure come together.

Located where the River Wantz meets the River Beam, the site is carefully managed to support both the environment and the surrounding community.

A landscape shaped by water

Beam Parklands plays an important role in flood management, safely storing large volumes of water during periods of heavy rainfall.

• The site can hold up to 450,000m³ of water
• This helps protect nearby homes, schools, and businesses
• Some areas may flood temporarily this is a natural and expected part of the landscape

Paths and bridges have been designed to remain accessible and resilient, even during wetter conditions.

Habitats and wildlife

The parkland includes a variety of habitats that thrive in wet conditions, such as:

• Reedbeds and marshland
• Shallow ponds and wet grassland
• Areas of acid grassland, which are rare in the South East

These habitats support a wide range of wildlife and help create a rich and dynamic environment.

History and heritage

Beam Parklands also has a fascinating history, with features from different time periods visible across the site, including:

• Evidence of human activity dating back to the Stone Age and Roman times
• A World War II pillbox
• A section of the Old Romford Canal

Management and partnership

The site is managed in partnership with:

• The Land Trust
• London Borough of Barking and Dagenham
• The Environment Agency

Together, they ensure the site continues to support biodiversity, manage flood risk, and provide a welcoming space for the community.