GREATER LONDON
A fast-developing reserve in the midst of the capital
MAX MILES ON FOOT: 4 MIN TIME: 2 HOURS
Walthamstow Wetlands Nature Reserve is situated within the Lee Valley Regional Park, at the northern end of Greater London.
It is an important haven for wintering wildfowl, with 10 reservoirs. There have been more than 140 different species of birds recorded each year at this diverse site, which was opened in 2017 as a publicly accessible nature reserve. Some areas are restricted to set opening hours or as permit-only restricted areas, to reduce visitor impacts on breeding and overwintering locations for wildfowl. Remnants of the site’s industrial heritage include the engine house, which is now home to the visitor centre; and the Coppermill that now offers panoramic views over the reserve.
WHERE TO WATCH
1 Start your walk at the engine house – this building has been redeveloped with a unique Swift tower in order to attract these nesting aerial birds. Now, head away south and follow the Coppermill stream towards the East Warwick Reservoir and the striking Coppermill Tower. While walking in this area, look out for Kingfisher, Peregrine and various gulls that are unperturbed by this busier part of the reserve.
2 If you now turn, and head first east and then north between the five small reservoirs, keep a look out for the heronries situated on the islands. While walking, also look out for shy wildfowl that overwinter here, and also breeding bird species such as Little Egret. Recent bird counts have records for Bittern, Garganey and Green Sandpiper. Previous notable sighting
