The Leys
The Leys is a large public open space in Dagenham, combining formal sports pitches with more natural country park areas managed for wildlife and informal recreation.
It’s been part of Dagenham’s open space network since the early 20th century, originally developed to support local recreation as the area expanded with housing and industry. Its blend of sports facilities and natural landscape reflects the borough’s commitment to both community health and environmental management.
Key Information
Getting There
Location
Ballards Road, Dagenham, Essex, RM10 9AJ
Contact
Telephone 020 8215 3000
Email parksandenvironment@lbbd.gov.uk
Parking
There are two free car parks accessed from Ballards Road, serving both the sports pitches and country park areas. To make your visit easier and stress free, we kindly encourage visitors to use public transport such as Dagenham Dock station and the 103, 145, 287, 364, 372 buses.
Accessibility
The park is wheelchair accessible, with level paths in many areas and accessible parking available in the Ballards Road car parks.
Sporting Facilities
4 full size fottball pitches, 4 mini soccer pitches and also changing facilities available on site.
Play Areas
Open grass areas suitable for informal play.
Nature
Walking routes alongside the Wantz Stream and managed for wildlife and local biodiversity.
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
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
