Walthamstow Wetlands - a place of tranquility

There are some fantastic wildlife areas around East London. We are lucky to have so many in Redbridge, including Wanstead, Valentines and South Parks, as well as Fairlop Waters and Hainault Forest. All offer fantastic opportunities to get out and experience nature at first hand.

I’ve visited all of these areas at various times, however, one of my favourite places to go is Walthamstow Wetlands. The development of the site has come about via collaboration between Thames Water, Waltham Forest Council and the London Wildlife Trust. It has been open to the public under its new guise since October 2017.

There are a number of ways to get over to the Wetlands including bus, train and car. But I usually go across by cycle, going through the Olympic Park, past the velodrome, along by Hackney Marshes and then through Walthamstow Marshes to the Wetlands.

The site is a real place of tranquillity, great for walking and observing bird life. There are often peregrines up on the pylons and a variety of ducks on the different reservoirs. Recent visitors have included goldeneye and goosander. Smaller birds like the black redstart, firecrest, bearded tit and reed bunting have all been recent visitors. Migrant birds passing through have become a regular feature.

The lakes are also home to many who like to fish, with platforms situated around some of the reservoirs.

The wildlife very much comes first in the Wetlands. The public are welcome but they must behave. No dogs, no feeding bread to the birds, no running or cycling on the banks. Different parts of the 10-lake site get restricted during the year to protect habitats.

There is less freedom than in somewhere like Wanstead Park, where the dogs roam but the plastic bottles and other human detritus that accompany that freedom are also absent.

The main centre is called the Engine House, where there is a shop selling a variety of wildlife related items. The book of bird spots is also available. Then there is the café, called the Larder, which offers a decent snack and accompanying drink.

For those who prefer the pub there is the excellent Ferryboat, on the opposite of the entrance to the Wetlands on the Forest Road.

The London Wildlife Trust also have a room, from where they run a whole variety of community events, involving volunteers.

I have been going to the Wetlands for a few years now, come sun, rain or cold conditions – it is always a great day out. There always seems to be something different going on, some new development being tried out. It is certainly a place I’d recommend for those who want to see the local wildlife or simply just get out there and enjoy nature.