A working reservoir site
owned by Thames Water and described as “London’s best kept secret”, has been transformed into Europe’s largest urban wetlands nature reserve, just 15 minutes away from central London.
Walthamstow Wetlands opened on Friday October 20 - walkers, wildlife fans, anglers and birders will be able to enjoy the 211 hectare site, which as well as providing a haven for nature, will continue to supply 500 million litres of drinking water to around 3.5 million people in north east London every day.
The transformation has been possible thanks to £10.6m of funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Thames Water and the London Borough of Waltham Forest and has included the laying of reed beds and walkways and the conversion of two historic buildings into a visitor centre, café, education space and viewing platform.
Richard Aylard, Director of External Affairs and Sustainability at Thames Water said:
“Walthamstow Wetlands is an enthralling part of London’s industrial heritage but remains a vital modern resource supplying millions of Londoners with high quality drinking water every day.
“It’s great that the site is now being opened up so that local people and other visitors can enjoy this special place for nature and relaxation, while also learning more about where their water comes from.”
A calendar of weekly activities, as well as seasonal events, will take place throughout the year at Walthamstow Wetlands in addition to a programme of interactive learning, volunteering and school engagement which will be delivered by London Wildlife Trust.
The Wetlands, comprised of ten reservoirs, which store water before it is treated and made suitable for drinking, also boast London’s largest fishery and accommodate fish such as trout, carp, roach, tench and perch.
The reservoir site is already an internationally important refuge for waterbirds and provide an important stopover for migrating birds flying north and south each year.
A designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Walthamstow Wetlands is also home to the largest heronry in London and thousands of different wildlife species.
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