Q. What is Davy Down?
A. Davy Down is approximately 32 acres of attractive landscape nestled amongst large modern developments. It is an area for public enjoyment and provides a great opportunity to explore and enjoy the countryside on your doorstep. It forms part of the Mardyke Valley and Thames Chase Community Forest.

Q. Where is Davy Down?
A. Davy Down is situated off the B186 in Thurrock, Essex between South Ockendon and Lakeside. The full address is:    Davy Down
                                Back Lane (off Pilgrims Lane)
                                North Stifford
                                Essex
                                RM16 5UL

Q. What can I do at Davy Down?
A. There are many things that you could do. Some people come to keep fit by riding a bicycle or going for a long walk. Other people come to enjoy and photograph the amazing wildlife that can be found here. However, many people just come to escape the business of modern life, take in the scenery and enjoy the peace and quiet for a while. In addition there are a series of organised events run throughout the year, for kids, families and community groups. 

Discover Davy Down open days run from April to October on the second Sunday of these months (except where this clashes with public holidays, when the date may be different). Family activities on these days include guided walks and talks, mini-beast safaris and pond dipping followed by an examination of some of the 'beasts' discovered using our big screen video microscopes.

Q. Why is it called Davy Down?
The area currently called Davy Down was farmed by the Davy family in times gone by. In addition the area and the surrounding hills have historically been classified as downland. Hence Davy Down.  Many local people also refer to the area as the Fourteen Arches.

Q. What are the buildings at Davy Down?
Of the two largest buildings at Davy Down the tallest one overlooking the main field is the Stifford Pumping Station and the lower one adjacent to Back Lane is the Filter House. Both are owned and operated by Essex & Suffolk Water Company and provide the local area with tap water which is extracted from the rocks deep below the site and then treated on site before being piped to local communities.

Q. Who owns Davy Down?
Just over half the area of land is owned by Essex & Suffolk Water Company. The remainder is owned by Thurrock Borough Council.

Q. What are your opening times?
Davy Down is open to pedestrians and access is possible for vehicles (height restriction 6' 6" and width restriction in operation) 24 hours a day, all year round. The Pumping Station is open to the public when the Warden is present on site and during the Discover Davy Down open days.

Q. How accessible is Davy Down?
All the footpaths are suitable for wheelchair users. Seasonal variations should be considered before visiting as flooding can affect the path along the River Mardyke in particular. Seating is located every 200 meters and a change of surface highlights the location of resting points for visually impaired visitors. All seating areas are surfaced and designed to enable wheelchair users to sit next to family and friends. Please phone or email for more detailed information.