Queens Park Country Park

In addition to Norsey Wood and Mill Meadows, a third site in Billericay is managed by Basildon Council’s Countryside Service. This is Queens Park Country Park, on the northern edge of the town. On 60 acres of former amenity parkland, the Country Park is now managed to enhance the area for wildlife. Hay meadows, small woods, hedgerows, scrub and a recently planted woodland can all be found there.

The large meadow areas, cut for hay in September, are developing a flower-rich sward that is attracting an increasing number of invertebrates. Green Woodpeckers (Picus viridis) often grace these meadows, feeding on the ants that flourish in the undisturbed grass. The area of rough grass and scrub provides perfect conditions for small mammals such as Shrews (Sarex and Araneus), Voles (Microtus agrestis and Clethrionomys glareolus) and Mice. For this reason it is a common sight to see a Kestrel (Falco tinniceulus) hovering above, looking out for its next meal.

An extensive system of hedges, some probably hundreds of years old and others much more recent, provide nesting places for a variety of birds, including the Greater Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopus major), Chiffchaff (Filloscopus collybita) and Whitethroat (Sylvia communis or curruca). A new woodland named Mill Hill Wood has recently been planted with a range of native trees, including Oak (Quercus), Alder (Alnus glutinosa), Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus), Wild Cherry (Prunus avium) and Ash (Fraxinus excelsior). The trees are still small, but the area has developed a rough grass community that obviously suits the Skylarks (Alauda arvensis) that you can often hear as you walk the paths.

Although Queen’s Park Country Park contains many developing habitats, it is a very peaceful and attractive place which is already significant for wildlife. If you would like to visit, there are pedestrian entrances off Rosebay Avenue and Queens Park Avenue, as well as a small car park off Rosebay Avenue. For those approaching from the Chelmsford direction on the B1007, take the third exit (Queens Park Avenue) at the first roundabout (see map) opposite Potash Road. If coming from the south, drive through the High Street and continue along Stock Road until you reach the roundabout at the far side of the town. Take first exit (Queens Park Avenue (see map) opposite Potash Road. Continue along Queens Park Avenue. Rosebay Avenue is the second turning on the right at the bottom of the first slope.

With grateful acknowledgement to Basildon District Council Countryside Services.