London is a constant conveyor belt of new and exciting restaurants, bars, buildings, shows and experiences but it’s rare to see something as big and brilliant as a brand new park. Walthamstow Wetlands is an unusual addition to London’s natural scene and one well worth a visit.
Of course these wetlands haven’t popped-up overnight. The 10 reservoirs that help supply drinking water to 1.5m Londoners have been around since the mid-19th Century but the reservoirs and the marshland they’re built on haven’t been open to the public for 150 years.
Until now you’ve had to buy a day permit to visit and they have mostly been bought by anglers and ornithologists willing to cough up a little cash for a catch of the day or a sighting of a songbird.
Now the area around the reservoirs has been regenerated and opened up to free public access. Londoners have been given a whopping 211 hectares of beautiful parkland and 13 miles of meandering paths to explore.
Walthamstow Wetlands has opened to title-stealing fanfare as it’s the largest urban wetlands in Europe.
Apart from offering beautiful views and brisk walks across the marshland, London’s newest park is home to a huge array of wildlife.
Birds are one of its biggest draws; over the seasons Walthamstow Wetlands hosts kingfishers, herons, reed warblers, cormorants, waders, flycatchers and more. Wherever you find than many smaller birds the big birds of prey will not be far behind; sparrowhawks, peregrine falcons, kestrels, buzzards, red kites and – on rare occasions – osprey can be seen overhead.
If birds aren’t your bag, there’s always the bats: there are at least seven species at the reservoirs including a rare kind of European pipistrelle.
The bats eat the insects that live near the water (keeping us bite-free) and hang out in the old Victorian buildings on site: the coppermill and the marine engine house.
The coppermill tower has been renovated to give visitors great views across the capital while the engine house tower has been fitted with nest boxes for swifts and snug roosting spaces for the bats.
Unfortunately the thriving wildlife means dogs have to stay at home but cyclists and walkers will find a warm welcome at the visitor centre and cafe, also found in the engine house
. If coffee isn’t quite the thing to warm you after an autumn walk, the nearby Ferry Boat Inn serves hearty grub and fortifying booze. Local legend has it that the pub is haunted – it once acted as a morgue for those unlucky enough to drown in the river and reservoirs. Nothing says halloween quite like a pint with a poltergeist.
Walthamstow Wetlands
are easy to access by Tube; there are four entrances to the park with less than 10 minutes walk to the Tottenham Hale and Blackhorse Road stations.
It has taken a combined £10.6m of funding from the Lottery Fund, Thames Water and the local and London authorities to give Londoners this untamed, unsullied escape from urban life.
It’s up to you to make all that money and dedication worthwhile by stopping by for a cup of tea and artisan cake after a bracing weekend wander with London’s overlooked wildlife.
by Jo Davey
The post London: Discover a Whole New Park appeared first on Felix Magazine.
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