Barking Creek

Sea, Estuary, Creek in Essex

England

Barking Creek

Legoland? One of three 1970s high rise blocks just off the A13 were given their distinctive red toy building block makeover in the late 1980’s early 1990’s. This one is Dunmow House. — Legoland? Credit: Glyn Baker

Barking Creek is a tidal creek located in the county of Essex, England. It is situated in the eastern part of the county, near the town of Barking. The creek is formed by the confluence of two rivers - the River Roding and the River Thames.

As a tidal creek, Barking Creek experiences significant variations in water levels throughout the day due to the ebb and flow of the tides. This makes it an estuary, where freshwater from the rivers mixes with seawater from the North Sea. The creek stretches approximately 6 kilometers inland, providing a navigable channel for ships and boats.

Barking Creek is an important natural feature in the area, supporting a diverse ecosystem of plants and animals. Its mudflats and salt marshes provide habitats for various bird species, including wading birds and waterfowl. The creek also supports a variety of fish species, such as flounder, bass, and eel, making it a popular spot for fishing enthusiasts.

The creek has historically played a significant role in the region's economy, serving as a transportation route for goods and providing a location for industrial activities. Over the years, several docks and wharves have been established along its banks, facilitating trade and commerce.

Today, Barking Creek continues to be a vital part of the local community, offering recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike. Its scenic beauty, combined with its ecological importance, makes it a popular destination for boating, birdwatching, and leisurely walks along its banks.

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Barking Creek Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.52359/0.092257672 or Grid Reference TQ4582. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Legoland?

One of three 1970s high rise blocks just off the A13 were given their distinctive red toy building block makeover in the late 1980’s early 1990’s. This one is Dunmow House.

Glyn Baker

Substation Sunset

This major electrical substation is located in Renwick Road Creekmouth near Dagenham.

Glyn Baker

Creekmouth Substation

This is just a small section of the electrical substation at Creekmouth

Glyn Baker

A Creekmouth Jetty

This is a jetty at the eastern end of Creekmouth looking across the Thames towards Thamesmead

Glyn Baker

N-Power Depot

This is a derelict ancillary building to the old Barking Power Station, long since demolished. The area is still owned by N-Power and this is their "Open Air Storage Depot" or so the sign nearby declares. Tied to the railings is a planning application for the old power station site. Included are 10800 homes, 65,000 sq metres of retail space, and all the infrastructure (schools, medical, facilities etc etc) to service them, in fact a new town in the Thames Gateway. Also included in the application are provision for a City Farm and an ecology centre.

Glyn Baker

Paper Recycling in Creekmouth

This is a photo of one of SITA’s paper recycling depots. SITA is the country’s largest waste management company. The group as a whole recycle some 1.4 million tonnes of waste per year. This plant handles some of the 350,000 tonnes of paper and card the company recycles each year. In the background can be seen the Barking Creek flood defence barrier.

Glyn Baker

Blumsom timber merchants

This is a photo of Blumsom timber merchants kiln drying plant. The company declare they only use wood from legal renewable resources and have a written environmental policy.

Glyn Baker

Eastbury Manor Barking

This is a photograph of Eastbury Manor Barking. The kind of building that is far from typical in the area. Built in the mid 17th Century by a wealthy merchant; Clement Sysley on land once owned by Barking Abbey. Over the centuries the building passed through many hands falling into decay in the early part of the 20th century. The manor was saved for the nation by the National Trust in 1918.

Glyn Baker

Turn Off For Barking

This is the Barking and Becontree junction on the A13. The flyover marks the point where Alfreds Way becomes Ripple Road. The photograph was taken looking eastbound.

Glyn Baker

Waverley in Gallions Reach

This is Waverley the last sea going paddle steamer in the world steaming through Gallions Reach on the River Thames. The object grid reference is that of the radio mast in the background. To the right of the gasholder you can see TQ4481 : Tower at Gallions Reach it stands in the carpark of a shopping centre.

Glyn Baker

Tripcock Light

This photo shows the Tripcock Light and a fingerpost on the Thames Path Cycleway

Glyn Baker

Gas holders at Beckton

Was part of the giant Beckton gasworks - now right beside a bleak modern shopping centre.

River Roding

This is the River Roding before it becomes Barking Creek. Effectively the River is the boundary between East Ham & Barking.

Glyn Baker

St Marys Estate, Barking

This is the St Mary’s Community Housing Project in Barking.

Glyn Baker

Gallions Reach Entertainment Centre

This is the Gallions Reach entertainment complex, it actually stands on Barking Creek which runs into the Thames at Gallions Reach.

Glyn Baker

Tower at Gallions Reach

This modern folly stands on a roundabout on the extensive Gallions Reach shopping centre. It seems to have no purpose except to act as a lighthouse to guide shoppers to somewhere to bash the plastic!

Glyn Baker