| Cornmill Stream and Old River Lea | |
| Aos: | Essex |
| Interest: | Biological |
| Area: | 24.6 hectares |
| Notifydate: | 1986 |
| Map: | Magic Map |
The Cornmill Stream and Old River Lea is a 24.6hectare biological Site of Special Scientific Interest in Waltham Abbey, Essex.[1] [2]
The site is bounded by a channel of the Old River Lea to the north and west which formed a boundary with the former Royal Gunpowder Mills. To the east flows the Cornmill Stream and the southern boundary is formed by the B194 road (Abbey View).
The slow-moving Cornmill Stream and Old River Lea form a freshwater habitat with one of the most diverse invertebrate fauna in Essex. Eighteen species of dragonflies and damselflies have been recorded and includes the uncommon and nationally declining white-legged damselfly. The watercourses support a rich and varied aquatic and marginal flora and the site also includes rough grassland which provides feeding and breeding grounds for invertebrates and birds.[1]