Middlesex Filter Beds as an area of semi-natural habitats is a rare resource west of the River Lea in East London. In 1852, three years after London’s worst Cholera outbreak and the consequent demand for cleaner, safer water, the East London WaterWorks Company constructed the six Middlesex Filter Beds in order to provide the surrounding areas with purified water, in later years these were augmented by another 19, seven of which are now the WaterWorks Nature Reserve; formerly Essex Filter Beds. In 1969, after over 100 years in operation, the Middlesex Filter Beds had become outdated and were replaced by the new Coppermills Water Treatment Works located in Walthamstow. Thames Water became responsible for the beds in 1974 but nature had already taken over and plants as well as other wildlife, had begun to colonise the abandoned site.
The site has been leased to the Regional Park since 1988. Each disused filter bed is managed so as to provide a variety of habitats for wildlife including open water, reed beds and wet woodland. Altogether, over 60 different species of bird have been recorded including Snipe, Reed Warblers and Sparrowhawk. The wetland areas are ideal for amphibians such as toads, frogs and newts all of which breed here. A variety of damselflies and dragonflies are also common throughout the summer months. The filter beds are an important part of our industrial heritage and future plans include a possible submission for a heritage award.
The value of the Middlesex Filter Beds for wildlife is outstanding and is increased by the nearness of other important Open Spaces such as Walthamstow Marsh and the adjacent WaterWorks Nature Reserve.
There are two great pieces of artwork to be seen at the Filter Beds. Kate Malone’s ceramic ‘Magic Fish’ and the infamous ‘Nature’s Throne’ by Paula Haughney, which was made using huge granite blocks retrieved from the foundations of one of the old Engine Houses.
Current News
There will be a ‘Dawn Chorus Walk’ on Saturday the 24th of April from 6-8am. Meeting at the WaterWorks Centre at 6am. Booking required by calling 08456 770 600. Cost: £3.00 includes breakfast.
Site Works
The tree works have now been completed on site. Some trees have been pollarded or removed for Health & Safety reasons as well as to help preserve the filter beds themselves.
Thames Water is currently carrying out two separate projects which involve some disturbance to the site. Some pipes are being relined whereas others are having new connections made in order to increase water flow to the Olympic site.
User Forum
The next User Forum meeting for the Filter Beds and Walthamstow Marshes will be held on the 9th of June 2010. This will take place whilst visiting the sites. Please meet at the WaterWorks Centre at 6.30pm if you would like to attend.