Eastbrookend Country Park in Dagenham - What I thought

Last week I was out and about in Dagenham and the sun was shining down on me which meant only one thing - I had to go for a stroll in one of the area's most beautiful parks.

I had heard great things about Eastbrookend Country Park ranging from its ample walking routes, its range of lakes to admire and even the chance to do a spot of fishing so I headed down there for the first time myself.

Perhaps the most exciting thing about the park is the imminent arrival of white storks and beavers.

The visitor centre and tea room were busy (Image: Gianni Cirillo)

As part of the Rewilding East London campaign, the storks are set to be introduced in autumn this year with the beavers arriving next year.

The park entrance was easy to find, located along The Chase, and I headed through the car park and past Eastbrookend Country Park Tea Rooms which I mentally noted as a great potential spot for lunch after my walk.

I took a look at the nature trail map that was posted in the ground and decided to head down the Bardag Lake trail first.

I took a look at the nature trail map before starting my walk (Image: Gianni Cirillo)

There was barely a cloud in the sky at this point and the distant rumble of cars was getting quieter with each step I took towards the first lake.

Bardag Lake was occupied by a handful of fisherman who were peacefully going about their business in various corners of the water body.

It was very serene with no real movement in the water or the air to be felt - I felt at peace.

Bardag Lake was very tranquil (Image: Gianni Cirillo)

I did a full loop around the lake and at the midpoint I found a mound of land with a well placed bench to perch on and admire the lake from a higher viewpoint.

I then headed onto the Tom Thumb trail which loops around Tom Thumb Lake.

There are several wooden animal statues dotted around the paths including a tortoise, an otter, an owl and a frog which make for nice viewing and I'm sure are good fun for young children.

There are wooden animal statues around the country park (Image: Gianni Cirillo)

This water body is smaller than Bardag Lake but no less tranquil or appealing.

What I really loved about this second lake was the small wooden pier spaces which you can walk out onto and feel as though you're almost stood on the water.

I found this dock space to be a great spot for reflection and I spent quite some time here just taking in the glistening reflection of the sun on the water and the quacking of a small flock of ducks at the water's edge.

I loved looking out onto the lake from the small pier structure (Image: Gianni Cirillo)

In truth, I had completely forgotten I was sandwiched between Dagenham and Elm Park.

I also took a few minutes to imagine the presence of a few majestic white storks out on the water and perhaps even a few busy beavers getting on with some carpentry.

I then headed back towards the visitor centre where I had clocked the tea room earlier in the day.

I had a salt beef bagel at the tea rooms (Image: Gianni Cirillo)

It was bustling both inside and outside with plenty of families with young children enjoying the sun whilst tucking into various lunch meals.

I opted for a traditional salt beef bagel with gherkins and mustard alongside a nice cold can of Coke which I devoured on a bench outside. It doesn't get much better than that.

After visiting Eastbrookend Country Park I completely understand the appeal both to locals and those further afield who are looking for a new walking route or fishing spot.

I'd definitely return and the incentive is only heightened by the prospect of spotting two brand new rare species of animal next time!