DAVY Down and the Mardyke Valley is not only a pleasant place to walk, to see old buildings and the 120 year old fourteen arches viaduct, but it is also where your drinking water comes from.
For nearly 90 years the deep well at Davy Down has provided enough water for a large part of Thurrock. The pumping station has been modernised from time to time and this coming weekend there is a rare opportunity to see the modern water treatment plant. On Sunday 9th September from 12 noon to 5 pm the Essex & Suffolk Water Company staff will give free conducted tours when you can see the huge filter tanks, ask questions and taste the water straight from the well.
Whilst there you can also see the old pumping engines and hear about the history and wildlife of the area.
There is plenty of free parking and at the visitor centre there will be light refreshments and games for children. Davy Down is off Pilgrims Lane, North Stifford, look out for the signs.
For more information visit www.davydown.org.uk or phone 01375 383744.
This is one of this weekend’s nation wide Heritage Open Day events all of which are open to the public free of charge.
