Walthamstow Wetlands | London Wildlife | Dallaswear

Walthamstow Wetlands

Walthamstow Wetlands, 2 Forest Road

Walthamstow, London

N17 9NH

https://www.walthamstowwetlands.com/

Over the 211-hectare site that makes up the Walthamstow Wetlands there are ten reservoirs that provide drinking water for 3.5 million people in London every day. The reservoirs were built over a 70 -year period, the site being added to as London grew in size and population and the demand for clean water increased.

For 150 years since they were first constructed the site remained closed to the general public. This changed in October 2017 when a £10.6 million partnership between the landowners Thames Water, Walthamstow Forest Council, London Wildlife Trust, the Heritage Lottery Fund and other various partners allowed the opening of the site to the public. 

The Walthamstow Wetlands reserve has become a wildlife haven to visitors whether they come to fish, bird watch, cycle or just to take a leisurely stroll. Situated in an otherwise busy urban landscape (around 15 minutes from our office and dispatching warehouse), it is the ideal place to escape to, to enjoy a little quiet and the wonder that nature has to offer. It is easy to forget that you are still in London, you really could be in the middle of the countryside. I suppose the biggest reminder that you are still very close to the centre of London is the dramatic skyline view of the city.

The reservoirs at Walthamstow Wetlands are home to the largest recreational fishery in London, with both fly and coarse fishing being available. Fishermen, and women, can fish for various species such as Brown and Rainbow trout, Bream and Perch. Tickets are available from Thames Water.

The reserve is recognised internationally for its importance for migrating birds, in particular overwintering wildfowl. There are a range of habitats within the reserve including dense scrub-lined banks and wide, open spaces. New reed beds have been created by the Walthamstow Wetlands Project which support wildfowl and have attracted rare birds such as bittern. There are newly introduced bird nest boxes, bird feeding stations and bat boxes.

Species seen at the reserve include Kingfishers, Tufted Duck, Little Egret, Great Crested Grebe, Pochard, Cormorants, Gadwall, Peregrine Falcon and many others. Foxes, hedgehogs and owls are also resident.

There is a new visitor centre which is fully accessible. Facilities within the visitor centre include a café, toilet, shop, interactive displays, a viewing platform and art installations. The café provides the perfect spot to indulge in light refreshments including coffee, cakes, breakfast and lunch.

The Walthamstow Wetlands website gives details regarding car parking and local bus and train services. Before visiting, it is recommended that you check out the website regarding restrictions and rules in place due to the covid19 outbreak.

Volunteering opportunities exist for people of all abilities. For more information please email Nadia Ward at nward@wildlondon.org.ukor visit the wetlands our volunteering page. (Click the highlighted text to visit now)