The nearest Postcode for this site is E10 7NU
Waterworks Nature Reserve
Formerly the Essex Filter Beds, the Waterworks Nature Reserve is an urban treasure located just a few miles from the city of London. Now over 150 years old, the site was once home to the East London Waterworks Company which provided drinking water to the surrounding boroughs until the site was shut down in the late 1970’s. In 1986 the site was officially handed over to Lee Valley Regional Park Authority and has been managed as a nature reserve ever since. In 2002, one of the largest bird hides was built over the central well head providing a fantastic ‘Close Up On Wildlife’ experience. Over 500 species of plants, 25 species of breeding birds and a quarter of all British butterflies have been recorded on the reserve. There is an interpretation area within the Visitor Centre providing information on the wildlife and history of the Filter Beds.
Current News
The pigs are now back at the farm after doing a fantastic job of grazing some of the beds. We are hoping to have some more on site early next year.
User Forum
The Filter Beds and Walthamstow Marshes User Forum meets about four times a year. These meetings are open to all users, so please come along if you are interested in what’s going on or would like to have your say. Meetings are held at the WaterWorks Nature Reserve and Golf Centre at 18:30 and last for two hours. Tea and coffee are available during the meetings.
The last meeting was held on Tuesday 6th September 2011. The next meeting will be held on Wednesday 16th November 2011.
Self Guided Trail
Why not take a wonder through the nature reserves on the Lea Bridge Road with the help of our guided trail maps, there's one for summer birds and one for butterflies and dragonflies. Both guides can be picked up from the WaterWorks Nature Reserve & Golf Centre or Lee Valley Ice Centre or downloaded from our website.
Directions
Location information
How to get here
The Reserve can be accessed off the Lea Bridge Road (A104). There are various access points for pedestrians and cyclists around the Reserve.
