Essex Road Gardens
Essex Road Gardens is a small, attractive green space located close to Barking Town Centre. This fenced local garden provides a quiet place for nearby residents, workers and visitors to relax, enjoy nature and take a break from the busy urban environment.
Despite its modest size, the gardens play an important role in providing accessible green space within a densely populated neighbourhood. Mature trees, grassed areas and simple landscaping create a pleasant setting for informal recreation and everyday enjoyment.
Essex Road Gardens occupies a small triangular parcel of land within a residential area that developed rapidly during the early twentieth century as Barking expanded. The site has remained undeveloped and has continued to provide valuable public open space for local residents.
Improvements undertaken in the early 2010s enhanced the appearance and usability of the gardens, introducing upgraded landscaping, improved pathways, new seating and children’s play features. Today the gardens continue to serve as a welcoming neighbourhood green space and an important community asset.
Key Information
Getting There
Location
Essex Road, Barking, IG11 7QL
Contact
Email parksandenvironment@lbbd.gov.uk
Parking
No parking available. To make your visit easier and stress‑free, we kindly recommend using public transport such as Barking Station and the 5, EL1, EL2, 169, 238, 287, 368 and N15 buses
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Facilities
- Small fenced public garden
- Accessible pathways and entrances
- Limited play features for young children
- Seating areas for relaxation
- Mature trees and landscaped planting
Nature and Environment
Although compact in size, Essex Road Gardens contributes to local biodiversity by providing habitat for birds, pollinators and other urban wildlife. The mature trees offer shade and seasonal interest while helping improve the local environment and air quality.
Do's
Be kind to wildlife – Enjoy watching animals and birds, but don’t disturb them.
Walking your dog? Keep them under control and always keep them on a lead near:
- Playgrounds, play areas
- Lakes (to protect nesting birds)
- Public buildings
- Always clean up after your dog using the bins provided
Picnics are welcome! Just remember to take all your rubbish home with you.
Countryside byelaws
The London Borough of Barking and Dagenham, like other councils, has wide powers to make byelaws in relation to a range of areas under its control. Generally, byelaws seek to uphold good order, government and public health
Report to us
Please help the Ranger Service by reporting any problems you see or ideas that you have that will improve your enjoyment of the parks and nature reserves in the borough.
Don'ts
Don’t harm or disturb wildlife – It’s against the law to hurt or scare wild animals or birds.
Don’t damage or disturb animal homes like nests or burrows, especially during breeding season.
No hunting or capturing. No traps, nets, or snares – These can harm protected animals.
Birds of prey can only be brought in with permission. Please see the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
No fishing, except at Eastbrookend Country Park (with a valid rod licence). Check fishing rules here.
No swimming in lakes or walking on them when they are frozen.
No model boats.
Fires, and barbecues are strictly forbidden.
Camping is not allowed.
No setting up tents, gazebos, or marquees without permission.
Don’t climb on:
- Fences, walls, or railings
- Trees or park structures (enclosures, posts…etc)
- No motorbikes in the park
- No model aircrafts or drones
- No selling or trading in the park
Keep an eye on our events calendar for upcoming events
Abbey Green hosts a variety of community events and activities throughout the year. Keep an eye on our events calendar for upcoming events.
Wild and Free in LBBD
Each year the Barking & Dagenham Park Ranger Service invites local residents to share their experiences of LBBD’s parks through the Wild & Free Photo Competition.
Friends of the parks
Are you interested in making a positive contribution to the management and development of your local park? Then please join the Friends group to help make a difference.
Community groups
Read more about some of the brilliant local organisations (that we sometimes partner with) who support the local community and help make our borough a better place to live.
Things to do -
Click on the icons to find out more!
More Information
