The Cornmill Stream and Old River Lea is a 24.6-hectare (61-acre) biological Site of Special Scientific Interest in Waltham Abbey, Essex.

Location

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).

Habitat

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.