Where to watch wildlife in Lee Valley

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Contents

Rive

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Cou

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CANNING TOWN

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Myddelton House Gardens (EN2)

5 Cornmill Meadows Dragonfl y Sanctuary (EN9)

Waltham Abbey Gardens (EN9)

Gunpowder Park (EN9) Lee Valley White Water Centre (EN9)

Lee Valley Campsite (E4)7

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8 Lee Valley Athletics Centre (N9)

Lee Valley Golf Course (N9)

Lee Valley Camping & Caravan

Park (N9)

9 Tottenham Marshes (N17)

10 WaterWorks Nature Reserve &

Golf Centre (E10)

Lee Valley Riding Centre (E10)

Lee Valley Ice Centre (E10)

Walthamstow Marshes (E10)

11 Three Mills Island (E3)

12 Bow Creek Ecology Park (E16)

East India Dock Basin (E14)

3 Lee Valley Park Farms (EN9)

Fishers Green Car Park (EN9)

4 YHA Lee Valley Cheshunt (EN8)

Herts Young Mariners Base (EN8)

Where to fi nd us

1 Rye Meads Nature Reserve (SG12)

Rye House Gatehouse (EN11)

2 Lee Valley Boat Centre (EN10)

Lee Lady of Valley Mooring (EN10)

Old Mill & Meadows (EN10) Broxbourne Riverside (EN10)

London, Hertsand Essex

Page Map

Welcome 1

Action for biodiversity 2

Amwell Nature Reserve 5 1

Rye Meads 6 2

Stanstead Innings 7 2

Glen Faba 8 3

Admirals Walk Lake 9 4

Nazeing Meads 9 4

Silvermeade 10 5

B roxbourne Old Mill & Meadows 11

5

Rusheymead 11 5

Fishers Green 12 6

Goosefield 13 6

Holyfield Lake 13 6

Hall Marsh Scrape 14 6

Lee Valley Park Farms 14 6

West Side Gravel Pits 15 7

C ornmill Meadows and Tree Park 16 8

Royal Gunpowder Mills 17 8

Gunpowder Park 18 9

Sewardstone Marsh 19 9

Rammey Marsh 19 9

Ponders End Lake 20 10

Chingford Reservoirs 21 10

Tottenham Marshes 22 11

Walthamstow Reservoirs 23 11

Walthamstow Marshes 24 12

W aterWorks Nature Reserve 26 13

Middlesex Filter Beds 27 13

Bow Creek Ecology Park 28 14

East India Dock Basin 29 14

heading here

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This area consists of two lakes, Glen Faba itself and the much smaller Stort Pit. Both are fringed with reedbeds, surrounded by small woodland pockets and wildflower meadows.

The large expanses of open water are home to wildfowl including Gadwall, Tufted Duck and Wigeon as well as occasional visitors such as Black-necked Grebe. The Stort Pit offers excellent views of Little Grebe throughout the year. The largest wooded island on Glen Faba is home to a Heronry and Cormorant roost, easily visible from the west bank of the lake.

The reedbeds that fringe the northern section of Glen Faba and edges of the Stort Pit are excellent for Reed and Sedge Warbler in summer as well as Reed Bunting throughout the year.

On warm summer evening large numbers of bats can be seen foraging for food along the river channels and waters edge.

There is no car park adjacent to this site; pedestrian access is via Netherhall Lane, Rattys Lane, the Stort Navigation towpath or from the disabled anglers track alongside the Flood Relief Channel at Dobbs Weir. There are two car parks at Dobbs Weir.

There are grass paths around the site that can become muddy in wet weather.

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Lee Valley Regional Park is 26 miles long and stretches from Ware in Hertfordshire, down through part of Essex, to the River Thames at East India Dock Basin. It supports a wide range of wildlife and is easily accessible, making it the perfect place to get up close to some amazing wildlife spectacles.

Over 200 bird species have been recorded, of which 150 can be seen every year, including the rare and elusive Bittern. There are also 35 species of mammal, from the secretive Otter to the charismatic Water Vole, a huge variety of insects including over half the UK’s species of dragonfly and over 500 species of plant. There really is something to be seen whatever time of year you visit.

Using this guideIf you’re just beginning to discover the amazing wildlife of the park or you’re an expert on your patch but are interested in exploring further afield then this guide will have something for you.

This booklet gives an overview of some of the best places to visit with a guide to what you might see at different times of the year.

Visit our website for further information or let us know your wildlife sightings:www.leevalleypark.org.uk

Welcome to Lee Valley Regional Park

Painted Lady

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Action for biodiversity

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‘Biodiversity’ is a term used to describe all living things and the places in which they live. Conserving biodiversity within Lee Valley Regional Park doesn’t only mean protecting rare and endangered wildlife but also identifying what needs to be done to ensure that our most common and familiar wildlife remains that way.

There are many different individuals and organisations involved in conserving biodiversity. These range from volunteers collecting valuable data or working to improve habitats, through to wildlife charities and Government agencies. Biodiversity Action Plans are designed to ensure that many different strands of work combine to deliver national conservation priorities whilst recognising the special needs of local wildlife.

Silvermeade

Wildlife in Lee Valley Regional Park contributes to the biodiversity of Hertfordshire, Essex and London. It’s important that we coordinate what happens within the park boundaries to tie in with work that is going on across the region. This is achieved through a partnership of organisations working together to ensure that the Lee Valley becomes an even better place for wildlife in the future.

The Lee Valley Biodiversity Action Plan focuses on five priority habitats for which Habitat Action Plans have been prepared.

These are:

•  Rivers and streams - these support a wide range of plants and animals, including rare or threatened species such as Otter and Water Vole. They also perform an essential role in linking wetland habitats throughout the Lee Valley.

•   Standing open water - the gravel pits and reservoirs throughout the park are internationally recognised for their importance for wintering ducks such as Gadwall and Shoveler and also support a wide range of other plants and animals.

•   Floodplain grassland and fen - the wet grasslands, swamps, marshes and fens provide a transition between open water and dry land. Wet grasslands typically have a network of water-filled ditches with standing water and are affected by shallow seasonal flooding. They’re traditionally managed by grazing using cattle from Lee Valley Park Farms.

•   Wet woodland - natural wet woodlands in the Lee Valley have almost disappeared. Through natural succession, wet woodlands have developed on the edges of gravel pits and on poorly draining land. Often these woodlands contain interesting plants, fungi and insects.

•  Urban environments and post-industrial habitats - the impacts of human activity can be seen throughout the Lee Valley. The action plan focuses on the built environment and naturally regenerating post-industrial habitats.

The best way of helping wildlife is usually to focus on protecting and improving habitats. However, there are a few species which have very specific conservation requirements and benefit from action to help them. Species Action Plans have been prepared for these, which include Water Vole, Otter and Bittern.

Wigeon grazing

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Banded Demoiselle4

Amwell Nature Reserve is situated south of Ware and is managed by Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust. It supports internationally important numbers of wintering wildfowl and is one of four sites in the park that combine to form the Lee Valley Special Protection Area (SPA). There’s plenty to see during the summer too, with breeding birds and dragonflies galore. The reserve includes a mosaic of lakes, rivers, grasslands and woodlands.

Spring through to autumn is a good time to see wading birds, particularly Redshank and Little Ringed Plover which breed here. Common and Green Sandpiper are regular visitors in autumn when water levels are dropped and may be joined by rare waders such as Wood Sandpiper.

In winter the lakes support large numbers of wildfowl including Gadwall, Shoveler, Tufted Duck and Pochard. Teal are also seen feeding in the shallow margins of the lake. Smew are regular winter visitors. The reserve provides an excellent opportunity to see wintering Bittern. Check out the James and White bird hides for elevated views over the reedbeds.

Amwell is one of the best sites in the park for dragonflies and damselflies with 19 species breeding here. The dragonfly boardwalk trail on Hollycross Lake enables you to get close-up views from May to September. Close-by there’s a small meadow of marsh orchids, flowering in early June.

In summer there’s a Common Tern colony nesting on special rafts on Great Hardmead Lake.

Look overhead for birds of prey including Buzzard, Sparrowhawk and in summer, Hobby. During spring and autumn you may be lucky enough to see an Osprey flying through.

The main viewpoint provides a panorama of the site with views of a heronry and reedbed feeding station. In winter, the Gladwin Hide provides great views of an impressive gull and Jackdaw roost.

Access informationThere’s limited car parking available on Amwell Lane, a quarter mile walk from the main viewpoint. Access for wheelchairs (avoiding a railway crossing) is via the towpath, from Ware or Stanstead Abbotts.

Further information atwww.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk

Amwell Nature ReserveAmwell Lane, Stanstead Abbotts, Hertfordshire SG12 9SN • Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust • TL377129

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Hollycross Lake

This reserve is managed jointly by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) and Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust. It forms part of the Lee Valley Special Protection Area (SPA). The reserve includes reedbeds, lakes, flood meadows and wet woodland.

In summer you can’t miss the noisy Common Tern colony that nests on rafts in front of the Gadwall Hide. The artificial nesting bank opposite the Kingfisher Hide can provide excellent views of nesting Kingfisher. In summer look out for nesting Kestrel, Reed Warbler and Long-tailed Tit.

In winter the lakes provide superb habitat for wildfowl including Tufted Duck, Gadwall and Shoveler, whilst the wet scrapes are perfect for foraging Green Sandpiper. Look out for Bittern in the reedbeds during winter.

Rye MeadsRye Road, Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire SG12 8JS • TL385103

Reedbeds at Rye Meads Gadwall

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Otters are active around the reserve but as they’re nocturnal and extremely shy they’re difficult to spot. You may be able to spot the clues they leave behind such as their droppings called ‘spraints’.

Water Buffalo and Konik Ponies graze the wet meadows, helping the Wildlife Trust conserve rare plants such as Meadow Rue and keep them suitable for breeding wading birds such as Lapwing.

Access informationThe visitor centre and car park are open from 10:00 –17:00 (or dusk if earlier) every day except Chistmas Day and Boxing Day. Car parking is free for RSPB members with a small charge for non-members. The trails and all nine hides have full or partial access for all.

Sat nav users should use postcode EN11 0GH.

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Stanstead Innings is owned and managed by Lee Valley Regional Park Authority. Reedbed improvement works have taken place alongside ongoing habitat enhancements across the site. The gently sloping shoreline and deeper water make this an interesting site to visit on its own or it can be combined with a visit to Rye Meads Nature Reserve, situated just across the road.

The open water areas, viewed from the Shoveler Hide offer excellent views of Tufted Duck, Gadwall and Shoveler. Species such as Black-necked Grebe are occasional visitors to the sailing lake. From the Sandpiper Hide look out over the shallow areas for Lapwing, Green Sandpiper and Teal.

In late spring the wildflower meadows come alive with a burst of Bee Orchid and Ragged Robin.

Summer sees the arrival of many warblers including Reed and Sedge Warbler.

Access informationFollow the circular walk to take in both hides and wildflower meadows. This accessible route links into the west side of Rye Meads Nature Reserve where there’s access to two additional bird hides. A small car park is located off Marsh Lane, Stanstead Abbotts.

Stanstead InningsMarsh Lane, Stanstead Abbotts, Hertfordshire SG12 8HL • TL388113

Boardwalk at Stanstead Innings

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This site consists of two lakes, Glen Faba itself and the much smaller Stort Pit. Both are fringed with reedbeds, surrounded by small pockets of woodland and wildflower meadows.

The large expanses of open water are home to wildfowl including Gadwall, Tufted Duck and Wigeon as well as occasional visitors such as Black-necked Grebe. The largest wooded island on Glen Faba is home to a heronry and small Cormorant colony, easily visible from the west bank of the lake. The Stort Pit offers views of Little Grebe throughout the year.

Reedbeds that fringe the northern section of Glen Faba and edges of Stort Pit are excellent for Reed and Sedge Warbler in summer as well as Reed Bunting throughout the year.

On warm summer evenings large numbers of bats can be seen foraging for food along the river channels and lake edge.

Access informationThere is a car park at Dobbs Weir. Pedestrian access is via Netherhall Lane, the Stort Navigation towpath or from the disabled anglers track alongside the flood relief channel at Dobbs Weir.

The grass paths around the site can become muddy in wet weather.

Glen FabaGlen Faba Road, off Netherhall Road, Nazeing, Hertfordshire CM19 5EX • TL393089

Wigeon8

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Admirals Walk LakeAdmirals Walk, Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire EN11 8AB • TL377081

White-legged Damselfly

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Nazeing Meads comprises three large settlement lagoons and forms part of the Lee flood relief system.

The deep open water of the lagoons offers a plentiful supply of food for diving birds including Tufted Duck. It’s a very good spot for wintering duck including Goldeneye and Goosander. Scanning the open water from the southern bridge over the flood relief channel is one of the best ways of picking up these species. Throughout the year there are good numbers of Great Crested Grebe and it’s usually possible to catch their famous ‘penguin dance’ if you search as pairs are bonding early in the year.

There’s usually a large winter gull roost on the lagoons. This is typically made up of Common and Black-headed Gulls but it’s worth looking for other species including the occasional Mediterranean Gull.

Access informationThe lagoons can be viewed from adjacent tracks and public footpaths. The nearest car park and toilets are at Dobbs Weir.

Nazeing MeadsDobbs Weir Road, Nazeing, Essex EN9 2PD • TL386076

Admirals Walk Lake is a 25 acre shallow, spring-fed lake next to the railway line, with the River Lynch flowing along the site’s northern boundary.

Both the lake and river provide superb dragonfly habitat and this is one of the best sites in the park for these insects. In the summer months look out for Black-tailed Skimmers hunting low over the water’s surface or the uncommon White-legged Damselfly on the River Lynch.

The wooded fringes and open water provide excellent feeding areas for bats. On warm summer evenings it’s a great spot to watch Daubenton Bats feeding on insects over the waters surface or Pipistrelle Bats feeding overhead.

The open water of the lake is perfect habitat for Coot and Little Grebe throughout the year and in summer it’s a favourite foraging area for Sand Martin and Swallow.

Access informationThe site is accessed on foot from Upper Marsh Lane and The Lynch. The nearest car park is at Dobbs Weir a short walk away.

The grass paths around the site can become muddy in wet weather.

SilvermeadeMill Lane, Broxbourne, Hertfordshire EN10 6LX • TL371062

Water Vole

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Silvermeade is a stronghold for the highly endangered Water Vole and is one of the best places in the region for viewing this charismatic species. It’s also an excellent site for dragonflies. Its wet meadows are intersected by a network of ditches, pools and reedbeds.

Water Vole and their field signs can be seen throughout the year but spring is a particularly good time to look for them as they’re actively reasserting their territories. Look out for signs such as piles of neatly cut grass stems, piles of droppings or the tracks they create as they move along the bank.

In spring you can’t miss the delicate pink-white of Cuckooflower, so called as it flowers around the same time as the first Cuckoo is heard. The striking pink flowers of Ragged Robin can also be seen amongst the grasses and sedge. Both plants thrive in the damp meadows found here.

The ditches are home to dragonflies. The Hairy Dragonfly is one of the earliest to

emerge. Look along the ditches to see them hunting for food from May onwards. The Banded Demoiselle is an impressive damselfly, the male has conspicuous dark banding on its wings.

The long grass adjacent to the water is a good place to see Grass Snake which often hunt for their prey along the watercourses. These animals are competent swimmers and regularly take to the water.

Access information Parking, toilets and refreshments are available at Broxbourne Old Mill and Meadows and it’s also a short walk from Broxbourne Railway Station.

The grass paths can get very muddy in wet weather but the viewing platform at the southern end of the site can be accessed from the surfaced towpath on the Lee Navigation in any weather.

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This site’s a patchwork of scrub woodland with pockets of open grassland and more mature woodland.

The scrub and woodland of Rusheymead is excellent for flocks of small birds. Bullfinch can be seen all year and in summer it’s a good spot for warblers. Sparrowhawk can often be glimpsed hunting amongst the trees.

The patches of grassland offer good feeding areas for the striking Green Woodpecker, which feed on ants and can be found throughout the year.

Access informationThe nearest car park is opposite the Lee Valley Boat Centre on Old Nazeing Road, or at Broxbourne Old Mill and Meadows. There’s pedestrian access to the site from Old Nazeing Road or the Lee Navigation Towpath.

This site is a mosaic of meadows intersected with a network of ditches and small wooded patches.

Walk through the meadows in spring and look out for the delicate flowers of Ragged Robin. The prehistoric looking Giant Horsetail forms impressive dense stands. Kingfisher and Grey Wagtail are often seen, especially around the old mill wheel and pool.

Access informationThere is car parking and toilets and a surfaced circular walk around the meadows. A visit here can easily be combined with a trip to Silvermeade and Rusheymead. Refreshments are available in the car park.

Broxbourne Old Mill & MeadowsMill Lane, Broxbourne, Hertfordshire EN10 6LX • TL371067

RusheymeadMill Lane, Broxbourne, Hertfordshire EN10 6LX • TL377064

Bullfinch

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Turnford and Cheshunt Pits form the centrepiece of River Lee Country Park and are part of the Lee Valley Special Protection Area (SPA) due to their importance for wintering wildfowl.

The lakes, reedbeds and grasslands of Fishers Green are an excellent place in which to start to explore the 1,000 acre River Lee Country Park.

Extensive habitat improvements on Seventy Acres Lake have resulted in the establishment of large expanses of reedbed. These are perfect for Bittern, a winter visitor to the park. In time it’s hoped that Bittern will stay to breed and their distinctive booming will be heard across the valley. The reedbeds and islands are excellent for Snipe and Lapwing throughout the year. The reedbed fringe in front of the Bittern Information Point is worth watching for the elusive Water Rail.

The lakes here are particularly important for wintering wildfowl, especially Gadwall and Shoveler as well as Smew. Goldeneye and Goosander are also annual visitors. It’s worth looking out for more uncommon visitors such as Pintail.

There’s a growing Common Tern colony on Seventy Acres Lake who nest during the summer on rafts in front of the Bittern Information Point.

The woodland in this area is ideal for Nightingale so listen out for their melodic song. A walk north of Fishers Green car park at dawn or dusk can be particularly rewarding in spring and early summer.

This area is also important for Water Vole. Particularly good sightings can be had along Hooks Marsh Ditch or in front of the Bittern Information Point.

Kingfisher is another common bird in this area, look out for them flying along watercourses or perching on low branches overhanging the water.

Access informationThe nearest car park is Fishers Green car park, Stubbins Hall Lane. There is a café nearby at Lee Valley Park Farms (seasonal opening hours, check website for details).

Fishers GreenStubbins Hall Lane, Crooked Mile, Waltham Abbey, Essex EN9 2EF • TL374032

Bittern

GoosefieldFishers Green car park, Stubbins Hall Lane, Crooked Mile, Waltham Abbey, Essex EN9 2EF • TL378040

The wet meadows of the Goosefield are intersected with shallow pools and ditches providing perfect habitat for waders and grazing wildfowl.

In spring and autumn the shallow margins provide an excellent spot for waders on passage through the Valley. Species such as Knot and Spotted Redshank have been seen whilst Green Sandpiper are regular visitors. Lapwing, Redshank and Snipe are present throughout the year. In summer this is an excellent place to spot Hobby hunting for dragonflies.

In winter the lush grass and pools provide perfect feeding habitat for Wigeon, whilst Teal, Shoveler and Gadwall feed in the shallow margins.

Access informationCar parking and toilets available at Fishers Green car park.

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Holyfield LakeFishers Green car park, Stubbins Hall Lane, Crooked Mile, Waltham Abbey, Essex EN9 2EF • TL376045

The large expanse of Holyfield Lake is a good place to look for Smew and Goldeneye in winter. Throughout the year there are good numbers of Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe and Coot. There’s also a Cormorant roost and heronry visible from the track to the Grebe Hide.

Alder thrives in the damp habitats around the country park and provides excellent feeding opportunities for flocks of tits, which are joined by large flocks of Siskin in the winter months.

Access informationCar parking and toilets available at Fishers Green car park.

Goldeneye

Snipe

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Lee Valley Park FarmsStubbins Hall Lane, Crooked Mile, Waltham Abbey, Essex EN9 2EF • TL383039

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Hall Marsh ScrapeHooks Marsh car park, Fishers Green Lane, Crooked Mile, Waltham Abbey, Essex EN9 2ED • TL372016

Hall Marsh Scrape is a series of four shallow artificial scrapes and gravel islands designed to attract waders.

In spring the exposed shingle islands are used by Little Ringed Plover as they return from Africa to breed. Regular waders on passage through the valley include Green and Common Sandpiper. In the summer months Common Tern from the nearby colony on Seventy Acres Lake can be seen overhead. Hobby are regularly seen hunting dragonflies over the site and adjacent Lee flood relief channel.

The nearby heronries ensure that you can regularly see Heron feeding in the shallow waters.

Over winter the scrapes are well used by a variety of duck including Gadwall, Shoveler, Teal and Wigeon as well as large flocks of Golden Plover and Lapwing. It’s worth looking out for uncommon visitors such as Pintail and rarities which have recently included Spotted Crake and Spoonbill.

Access informationThe nearest car park is at Hooks Marsh off Fishers Green Lane. Alternative parking is available at Fishers Green car park off Stubbins Hall Lane.

Holyfield Hall Farm is a mixed dairy, beef and arable farm. The thick hedges and field margins provide habitat for birds such as Whitethroat and Yellowhammer. The long grass supports large numbers of small mammals, which in turn attract Kestrel and Barn Owl. Little Owl and Sparrowhawk are also regular breeding species.

Look across from the farm to Galleyhill Wood where Buzzard are often seen soaring on the thermals. The farms’ viewpoint is a great place to look for large migrant birds moving along the ridge of Epping Forest, whilst smaller

species such as Wheatear are regularly found around the edges of the tracks and fields during autumn and spring migration.

Brown Hare is present on the farms, as are Fallow and Muntjac Deer.

Access informationCar parking and toilets available at Lee Valley Park Farms. Refreshments are available in the café (seasonal opening times apply, check website for details).

West Side Gravel PitsPindar Car Park, Windmill Lane, Cheshunt, Hertfordshire EN8 9AJ • TL368023

Bowyers Water

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The gravel pits on the west side of the Lee Navigation are slightly more secluded than those along the east and many are fringed with woodland.

They’re favoured by wintering Goosander, look for them on Ashley and North Metropolitan Pit. Lesser Spotted Woodpecker are occasionally seen in the wooded margins of the lakes. Bowyers Water, the oldest of the country parks gravel pits, has a spectacular display of Water Lilies in the summer and in autumn and winter holds large numbers of waterbirds including Coot and Gadwall, look amongst these for Smew and Goosander.

Areas of grassland provide an excellent food source for Green Woodpecker, which specialise in raiding ants’ nests. You can hear its characteristic laughing call as it moves between the grassland and woods. In the summer months Thistly and Cheshunt Marshes come alive with the sound of grasshoppers and crickets. Look out for the distinctive Roesel’s Bush Cricket amongst the tall grasses.

May and June herald a magnificent display of orchids. Bee Orchids can be found throughout the grasslands of the country park but head to North Metropolitan or Bowyers Orchid Areas for views of Early Marsh, Southern Marsh, Common Spotted, Pyramidal and Twayblade Orchids.

Throughout the warm months look out for insects on the wing. Look out for the Brown Hawker Dragonfly patrolling the ditches and streams. The summer months also bring an array of butterflies, Speckled Wood can be seen in the dappled light along the woodland paths.

Access informationCar parking and toilets are available at Pindar car park, Windmill Lane, and Turnford Brook car park off the B176 Cheshunt Wash.

Cornmill Meadows is one of the best examples of semi-natural floodplain grassland remaining in the park. The mosaic of rivers, ditches and pools make this a fantastic place to see a variety of wildlife throughout the year. Hay meadows, woodland and a network of glades and rides can be found in the adjacent tree park.

Spring and autumn are excellent times to visit to see waders passing through the valley, with the possibility of interesting species such as Ruff and Black-tailed Godwit as well as Redshank and Common and Green Sandpiper.

Summer provides one of the best places in the region to see dragonflies, with over half the UK species found here, notably the White-legged Damselfly and Hairy Dragonfly. In late summer the woodland glades can be worth scouting on a fine evening for large numbers of Migrant Hawker Dragonfly. Follow the circular Dragonfly Discovery Trail which takes in a variety of habitats.

In winter there are magnificent views of large flocks of Wigeon and Teal. These are regularly joined by flocks of hundreds of Lapwing and Golden Plover.

A walk along the rivers and streams is interesting at any time of year. Look out for Kingfisher or dragonflies. The Banded Demoiselle is particularly striking.

No visit is complete without stopping at the Wake Hide to view the pools. Good numbers of Teal and waders can be seen in winter, whilst in summer Hobby hunt dragonflies overhead. You may even be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a Water Vole or hear the distinctive ‘plop’ as it dives into the water.

Access information Car parking is available at Cornmill Meadows car park off the B194 Crooked Mile. The grass paths can get muddy in wet weather.

Cornmill Meadows and Tree ParkCornmill Meadows car park, Crooked Mile, Waltham Abbey, Essex EN9 2ES • TL379012

The Cornmill Stream

Ruddy Darter

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Secret Island – Royal Gunpowder MillsBeaulieu Drive, Waltham Abbey, Essex EN9 1JY • TL 376012

Gunpowder was produced in this area from at least the 17th Century. For over 300 years the Royal Gunpowder Mills was cut off from its surroundings by its river boundaries and the secrecy of its work. As the government’s use of the site reduced so nature took over. A charitable foundation was set up to safeguard the site in perpetuity.

The woodland covers a large area and is crossed by a network of canals which are home to the elusive Otter, although they’re notoriously difficult to spot. Look out for the flash of cobalt-blue as a Kingfisher darts past or perches to look for fish.

One of the most spectacular sights is the herd of Fallow Deer that live in the woodland and graze amongst the historic buildings. You may also see Muntjac Deer.

The area is also home to other mammals including Badger and several bat species.

Climb the stairs to the top of the Wildlife Tower for panoramic views across the site. It’s an excellent place to view the birds in the tree tops. Alder, used in the gunpowder production, provides food for flocks of tits and Siskin in the winter months, also look out for flocks of Fieldfare and Redwing.

Access informationThe site has limited opening times and there is a charge for admission, please check the website for details. Access to the woodland area is by guided tours on a land train.

Futher information atwww.royalgunpowdermills.com

Fallow Deer

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Gunpowder Park is a former Royal Ordnance munitions testing area. Large expanses of grassland are a key feature, bounded by hedgerows and farmland. Osier Marsh Wood consists of wet willow and birch woodland, which has naturally regenerated on in-filled gravel pits.

The meadows of Gunpowder Park are used by Skylark and Meadow Pipit as nesting sites in the summer months. Listen out for the Skylark as it performs its distinctive song flight over the meadows.

Wildflowers in the grasslands provide an excellent nectar source for insects. In the summer look out for a variety of butterflies including Common Blue and Holly Blue as well as Essex, Small and Large Skipper.

Black Ditch flows along the site’s northern edge and is home to a population of Water Vole. In the warmer evenings look along this ditch and watch as Daubenton Bats feed low over the water. This is one of six species of bat on Gunpowder Park, others include the regionally rare Nathusius Pipistrelle.

A boardwalk leads you through the wet woodland of Osier Marsh where Woodcock, wintering thrushes and large mixed flocks of tits and finches can be seen. The secluded pools provide the perfect habitat for wintering Teal which can be seen from the viewing screens.

Gunpowder Park is also good for migrants passing through the valley. Look out for Whinchat, Stonechat and Wheatear over the arable fields and meadows.

Access informationThere’s car parking and toilets at the park centre and pedestrian access points on all sides. A network of accessible surfaced paths and boardwalks pass through the site.

Gunpowder ParkSewardstone Road, Waltham Abbey, Essex EN9 3GP • TQ380992

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Skylark

Wet Woodland

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Sewardstone Marsh includes the permanent standing water of Knights Pits and the wet grassland of Patty Pool Mead.

The former gravel pits of Knights Pits were in-filled with water and are excellent for dragonflies including the Small Red-eyed Damselfly, a relatively new species within the park. Woodland surrounding the pits is home to a variety of birds including Great Spotted Woodpecker and Sparrowhawk. Long-eared Owl have recently used this area in winter months, although they can be very difficult to spot.

In summer Nightingale can be heard and occasionally seen in the dense scrub, listen out for their melodic song. Hobby can be seen hunting over the grassland and along the woodland edge.

In winter the wet grassland of Patty Pool Mead is a good place to see Snipe which feed in the damp grassland. Water Vole can be found in the ditches that cross Sewardstone Marsh and scrub clearance has taken place to improve the habitat for this endangered mammal.

Access informationSewardstone Marsh has pedestrian entry points and a network of surfaced paths run throughout the site. The closest car park is at Gunpowder Park.

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Rammey MarshOrdnance Road, Enfield, Middlesex, London EN3 6TH • TQ373994

This area of rough grassland is intersected by a ditch that runs from the Small River Lea to a seasonal pool adjacent to the Lee Navigation.

From May to June a magnificent colony of Bee Orchid form a large stand amongst the longer grass on the raised ground to the north of the site.

The ditch and pools support Water Vole and Grass Snake.

Access informationThere is a small car park. Pedestrian access is from the Lee Navigation Towpath. The grass paths can get muddy in wet weather.Bee Orchid

Sewardstone MarshOff Sewardstone Road, Sewardstone, London E4 7RA • TQ378982

Great Spotted Woodpecker

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This one acre lake is found nestled in the middle of Lee Valley Golf Course.

The lake is fringed with reeds, which in summer are a good place to look for Sedge and Reed Warbler. Reed Bunting is present throughout the year.

Look out for the Common Tern returning from Africa to nest amongst the gravel on the island in front of the bird hide. These birds are often joined by Little Ringed Plover. Lapwing also use the island and in winter Wigeon can be seen on the lake and grazing the surrounding fairways.

Listen out for the shrill call of a Kingfisher and you may be lucky enough to see one flash by.

Access information

Car parking is available at Lee Valley Leisure Complex and a hide is accessed via a gate onto the golf course. The path to the hide is partially surfaced. Please be aware of flying golf balls!

Ponders End LakeLee Valley Golf Course, Meridian Way, Edmonton, London, N6 0AR • TQ361947

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Reed Warbler

Kingfisher

Image © northeastwildlife.co.uk

Black-headed Gull

The King George V and William Girling Reservoirs dominate much of the landscape in the Lower Lee Valley. They are owned by Thames Water and have been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) because of their importance for wintering wildfowl.

The reservoirs are an excellent place to see wintering wildfowl including Goosander, Goldeneye and Teal and are a nationally important site for wintering Black-necked Grebe. It’s worth looking for scarcer wildfowl often brought in by bad weather.

There’s also an impressive gull roost numbering up to 50,000 individuals, including Common, Herring, Lesser Black-backed and Black-headed Gull.

The reservoirs offer a good vantage point to look up and down the valley for migrants in spring and autumn when small migrating passerines can be funnelled up the thin belts of grassland and scrub neighbouring the reservoirs. Interesting waders and terns can be seen on passage through the valley.

Access informationThere’s currently no access onto the William Girling Reservoir. Please check with Thames Water for the latest access information for the King George V Reservoir. www.thameswater.co.uk

Chingford ReservoirsLea Valley Road, Edmonton, London E4 7PX • TQ 371959

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Tottenham Marshes consists of a large expanse of rough grassland with wildflower meadows, accessible river channels and scrubland.

The meadows are home to an increasing number of Bee Orchid which flower from May to June as well as the scarce Wall Bedstraw. Buddleia can become invasive and cause problems but around the car park it attracts huge numbers of butterflies, including the migratory Painted Lady.

Look above the grasslands to see Kestrel hunting small mammals such as Bank and Field Vole. It’s worth scanning the electricity pylons where the Kestrel often perch.

Wasp Spider is increasing its range in the UK and can be seen in the long grass. As their name suggests they are brightly coloured. They weave a characteristic zigzag pattern in their web, which they use to catch grasshoppers and other small insects.

The Small Red-eyed Damselfly is benefiting from our milder climate. They can be seen from late June to September, perching on floating vegetation along the Lee Navigation.

The marshes are also excellent areas for flocks of small birds. In winter large flocks of Linnet can be seen feeding on the seed heads of Teasel, dock and thistle.

Sand Martin visit in summer months, nesting in purpose-made holes drilled in the concrete walls of Pymmes Brook. The river channels are also good places to look for a darting Kingfisher.

Access informationThe car park is located off Watermead Way. There’s a network of surfaced paths around the site. Accessible toilets are located at Stonebridge Lock Centre.

Tottenham MarshesWatermead Way, Tottenham, London N17 0XD • TQ350906

Lee Navigation

Walthamstow Reservoirs are owned and managed by Thames Water and consist of 10 waterbodies. Several of these feature wooded islands and reed-covered fringes. They form part of the Lee Valley Special Protection Area (SPA) due to their importance for the wintering ducks Gadwall and Shoveler.

One of the highlights during the spring and summer is the heronry. There are up to 100 pairs nesting on the islands, making it the largest heronry in London. Recent years have also seen Little Egret successfully breeding on the site.

The reservoirs are an excellent place to see wintering wildfowl including large numbers of Gadwall, Coot, Great Crested Grebe and Tufted Duck.

Large numbers of gulls use the reservoirs including Lesser Black-backed, Common and Black-headed Gull.

Reed and Sedge Warblers breed in the reeds around the edge of some of the lakes and Common Tern nest on the artificial rafts.

There are two bird hides on site and excellent views can be obtained from the reservoir banks.

Access informationPlease check with Thames Water for the latest access information for the Walthamstow Reservoirs. www.thameswater.co.uk

Walthamstow Reservoirs2 Forest Road, Tottenham, London N17 9NH • TQ353896

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Grey Heron

Common Tern

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Walthamstow Marshes is a remnant of the original grassland habitat that would once have covered much of the Lee Valley. It would have traditionally been managed as Lammas Land, in which a hay cut would have been followed by grazing with livestock. This management is being replicated through the introduction of cattle grazing across the site.

Creeping Marshwort is a tiny white flower restricted to the edges of grazed ditches. This plant is very rare in the UK and is only found here and at two other sites in Oxfordshire.

The marshes are home to a variety of butterflies, including the Essex Skipper, which has a restricted distribution within London.

A population of Water Vole live in the ditches that run across the Marshes. Look out for the distinctive piles of small sausage-shaped droppings that mark their territory. These are often particularly noticeable in the spring before the vegetation grows tall. Whilst walking along the ditches and river listen out for the shrill call of the Kingfisher.

There are plenty of small mammals on the marshes. Look overhead to see Kestrel hovering whilst looking for prey.

Walthamstow MarshesWalthamstow Marshes, Lea Bridge Road, Leyton, London E10 7QL • TQ354873

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Creeping Marshwort

Cattle grazing on Walthamstow Marshes

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In spring Sedge and Reed Warbler arrive on the marshes to breed. Reed Bunting are also present.

Access informationThere’s a large car park available at Lee Valley Ice Centre on Lea Bridge Road, an alternative smaller car park is available at Coppermill Lane in Walthamstow. The grass paths can become muddy in wet weather but there are surfaced shared-use paths down both sides of the site.

Formerly known as the Essex Filter Beds, the WaterWorks has one of the largest bird hides in London offering close-up views across a series of filter beds, each with its own unique character.

In spring and autumn waders on passage through the valley drop into the site. Common and Green Sandpiper are regular visitors, whilst Wood Sandpiper and Black-tailed Godwit have recently been recorded.

The secluded beds are a fantastic place to get up-close to Teal and Snipe and in summer Pochard and Little Grebe breed here. A variety of wildfowl including Gadwall and Shoveler can be viewed from the central hide.

Sand Martin are regular summer visitors and use the artificial nesting towers to breed. An artificial Kingfisher bank has also been installed and there are superb views of Moorhen, Little Grebe and Tufted Duck.

Certain beds have been allowed to form dense scrub and are home to species such as Garden Warbler, Blackcap, Whitethroat, Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff, whilst Sedge and Reed Warbler nest amongst the reeds. Listen out for Great Spotted and Green Woodpecker.

The flood relief channel adjacent to the WaterWorks is also an excellent place to view bats foraging in the warm summer evenings

Access informationThe reserve can be accessed through the WaterWorks Centre, where there’s car parking, toilets and a café. There are surfaced paths throughout. The reserve is open from 08:00 until dusk.

WaterWorks Nature ReserveLammas Road, Off Lea Bridge Road, Leyton, London E10 7NU • TQ360867

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View over the filter beds

Middlesex Filter BedsLea Bridge Road, Leyton, London E5 9RB • TQ358864

Common Toad

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Grey Wagtail

Common Toad

These filter beds are a short walk from the neighbouring WaterWorks Nature Reserve. Built by the East London WaterWorks Company in the mid 1800’s they demonstrate how previously industrial areas can become valuable habitats for wildlife.

This site contains a variety of habitats and can provide interesting wildlife throughout the year. The wooded areas are excellent for flocks of tits and finches. Look out for Great Spotted and Green Woodpecker. Kestrel and Sparrowhawk are found on the reserve and will also hunt on the adjacent open grassland of Hackney Marshes.

The brickwork of the old bed walls provides shelter for amphibians and in spring the wetlands are home to frogs, toads and newts. The weir is a good spot for Grey Wagtail and Kingfisher, which nest along the banks.

More than 200 plant species have been recorded including Cuckooflower and Purple Loosestrife. There’s also a community of interesting mosses and liverworts along the old walls of the beds.

Access informationThe site can be accessed on foot from either Hackney Marshes or Lea Bridge Road via the towpath. There’s a network of surfaced paths. The nearest car park is at the adjacent WaterWorks Nature Reserve.

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Originally an Osier bed, the site was transformed into a more industrial landscape when it subsequently became an ironworks. It has now opened as an ecology park and is a hidden gem in London’s East End.

As you enter the site there are views over tidal mudflats fringing the river so take a moment to look for views of feeding Redshank. Flocks of these waders can be seen commuting along the river as the tide changes.

The path leads you through wildflower meadows. Kestrel hunt along the railway verges, whilst the wildflowers provide an abundant source of nectar for many butterflies including the Small Copper, Orange-tip and Green-veined White. In summer look out for dragonflies such as the impressive Emperor Dragonfly, which is on the wing from early June to late August.

Sand Martin and Kingfisher nesting banks have been installed close to the site and it’s a good place to see them. It’s also an excellent spot for passage passerines including the Black Redstart.

Access informationThe site has surfaced paths and viewing platforms over the ponds. There’s no parking on site but it’s easily accessed via public transport. Canning Town is the closest train station, a five minute walk away.

A visit to Bow Creek Ecology Park can easily be combined with a trip to nearby East India Dock Basin.

Bow Creek Ecology ParkWharf Side Road, off Bidder St, Canning Town, London E16 4ST • TQ391811

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Wildflower Meadow at Bow Creek Ecology Park

East India Dock Basin, whilst relatively small, is a super spot for some lunchtime birding. The basin contains tidal brackish water and there are mudflats with a small band of saltmarsh vegetation to the north.

A colony of Common Tern returns here to breed every summer on the artificial rafts. Look out for Black Redstart which are regularly seen around the site, especially during spring and autumn.

In winter the basin supports good numbers of Shelduck and flocks of over 150 Teal. Close views can be obtained as they feed over the mud. Also look out for waders such as Redshank feeding on insects along the strandline.

Look over the O2 Arena on the opposite bank of the Thames for the chance to see Peregrine Falcon. A variety of gulls including Black-headed, Lesser Black-backed and Herring Gull frequently use the site but it’s worth scanning amongst them for the more unusual species.

The north of the basin is saltmarsh and home to some interesting plants dominated, unusually, by Buttonweed with Sea Milkwort and Sea Arrowgrass.

The flower-rich grassland includes two of the more unusual exotics at the site, Warty Cabbage and Salsify, in addition to native meadow flowers such as Ladies Bedstraw.

The scrub bordering the site can be a good spot to pick up some unusual vagrant species, with birds such as Barred Warbler recently recorded.

Access information

There are surfaced paths around the site and viewing screens on the western side of the basin. There’s no parking on site but it can be reached via East India Dock or Canning Town (Docklands Light Railway) stations. A visit to East India Dock Basin can easily be combined with a trip to nearby Bow Creek Ecology Park.

East India Dock BasinOrchard Place, Canning Town London, E14 9QS • TQ390808

Shelduck

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East India Dock Basin Gates

Image © northeastwildlife.co.uk

All information correct at time of print (March 2012)

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