River Lee Country Park is especially important for birds in winter when ducks and other water birds visit from Northern Europe and Scandinavia. Other migrating birds such as waders, terns and warblers are best seen during spring and autumn.
In the summer, the Country Park is one of the best places in the country to see Kingfishers. With twelve bird hides and viewing screens, ten of which can accommodate wheelchairs, including the National Bittern Information point at Fishers Green, (Bitterns visit only between the end of October and the end of February), the River Lee Country Park is one of the best places in the country for birdwatching.
Cameras have been installed at various locations on rafts and wet meadow areas to enable visitors to view the wildlife. River Lee Country Park also has seven species of orchids recorded which can be viewed from a viewing platform.
River Lee Country Park is one of the many attractions which make up the Lee Valley Regional Park. It has been transformed from old gravel pits into attractive countryside by St Albans Sand and Gravel Co Ltd and Lee Valley Regional Park Authority. Gravel has been extracted from the 1930’s onwards. Although this landscape is less than a hundred years old, the flooded gravel pits and grassland are so special for birds and insects that much of the area has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
River Lee Country Park
Covering a thousand acres on either side of the River Lee between Waltham Abbey (Essex) and Broxbourne (Herts) River Lee Country Park is a unique patchwork of lakes, waterways, green open spaces and countryside areas all linked together by paths, walkways and cycle tracks.
Clayton Hill
Clayton Hill
A site on the north east corner of River Lee Country Park in Nazeing. Predominantly mown amenity grassland with areas of wild flower meadows, a cops woodland and a small lake. There are several picnic benches and space to kick a ball around, play Frisbee or just a gentle amble up the hill to a superb view point over the valley. There is also a footpath that links this site to Elizabeth Close playground area which is owned by the parish council.
Directions
The nearest Postcode for this site is EN9 2HX
By Car:
A10 From the North – Hoddesdon exit
A10 From the South – Broxbourne exit
Head north towards Wormley, Turnford & Broxbourne on to the A1170 High Road Turnford.
Turn right at the traffic lights onto the B194, towards Broxbourne Station. Continue for approximately one mile in order to turn right into the car parking area. There is a height barrier at the entrance to the car park, height restriction 2 metres.
By Bus – 392
Walking/cycling – A two mile scenic footpath (wheelchair and pushchair accessible) with benches on route links this site to Fishers Green and the park farms.
Background/History
Clayton Hill was dug for gravel in the 1950s and left to naturally fill with ground water. Lee Valley Regional Park acquired the site in the early 1970s and transformed the site from arable land and derelict greenhouses into the country park that you see today. The lake now provides an important habitat for wildlife as well as attractive surroundings for visitors to the area.
Specail Features
The lake has a wooden viewing platform with an interpretation panel, there are also a number of floating islands used as fish and waterfowl refuges (fishing NOT permitted). The lake is also leased to a model yacht club where at certain times they can be seen sailing their yachts.
Site Information
Coir rolls and mats have been installed by the lake banks. These have been planted up with native vegetation which will stop the erosion of the lake banks. A temporary fence has been put in to protect the area whilst the vegetation has time to establish.
Accessibility
With a surface car park this site remains prominently dry throughout the year but the ground is uneven in places. All areas of the park are accessible from the park path that also links Nazeing Meads park path to the north of the site and Fishers Green park path from the south of the site.
Rushey Mead
A quiet little site in Nazeing of secondary woodland with patches of meadow grassland and a small picnic area at its centre. This site is alongside the River Lee providing easy links with the towpath for good walking opportunities.
Directions:
The nearest Postcode for this site is EN10 6SS
By Bus
Bus numer 392
By Car
Leave the A10 at the slip road for Broxbourne and exit the roundabout towards Wormley, Turnford & Broxbourne.
At the next roundabout, turn left onto the A1170, High Road Turnford.
Remain on the A1170 over the next two roundabouts in order to turn right at the traffic lights onto the B194, towards Broxbourne Station. Continue on the B194 for approx. half a mile.
Old Mill and Meadows, Broxbourne
Mill House
Old Mill and Meadows, Broxbourne
When you next visit Broxbourne, be sure to take a look at the Old Mill.
Facilities
A site combining history, conservation and leisure which has close links with bus and railway network. The site has car parking and toilet facilities both of which are suitable for disabled people. On weekends and holidays there is a catering van on site to provide refreshments and holiday chalets which can be hired out from the Broxbourne Boat Centre. Site also offers visitor interest in the form of cycle hire between April - October, Wednesday to Sunday. A model railway club opens their doors to the public on weekends and Day Ticket Fishing during open season.
Projects
During the summer 09 the existing board walk which is a part of the circular walk around the meadow will be replaced and extended allowing easier access around the site during the wet parts of the year.
Wildlife Interest
The main bulk of the site is wet meadows which are preserved for conservation interest. Water Voles can be found in and around the ditches, dragonflies and damselflies are seen hovering over the meadows and reed beds during the summer months. With a small section of woodland it also provides habitat for various garden bird species and good cover for a number of mammals such as Foxes and Muntjac Deer.
Heritage at Broxbourne Old Mill
The Mill was first mentioned in the Doomsday Book, 1086. The Knights of St John of Jerusalem were the first recorded owners of the mill. Under the reformation of Henry VIII in 1544, ownership was taken away from the monasteries and granted to a local miller, John Cook. The mill’s function and ownership changed repeatedly over the years.
The role of the mill up until 1892 was to grind corn into flour. Then in 1919 the restoration of the water turbine allowed the owner to produce auxiliary power. By the 1940’s the mill was used as factory storage space but on 1st October 1949 the mill was destroyed by a fire.
Now all that remains of the mill is the 16th century brickwork floor, and window frames of a 19th century two-storey miller's house that was restored in 1977 by the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority.
Projects
Broxbourne Mill is an essential part of the Borough of Broxbourne’s history. Lee Valley Regional Park Authority has to carrying out projects to conserve the remains of the Mill and ensure that it continues to stand as a window into a bygone age.
Wheels in motion project: keen to restore the Old Mill Wheel back into working order, Lee Valley Regional Park Authority commissioned Mill Green Forge from Hatfield to repair the Wheel in 2001. The wooden paddles were recycled with plastic ones, these plastic paddles not only have a much longer life than the wooden alternative, but they weigh less than their wooden counterparts, therefore less stress is placed on the original cast iron wheel meaning it will continue to turn for longer. A 'Trash Screen' was also installation in front of the mill wheel and a new side sluice to allow sediment and excess water to pass through during periods of heavy rain.
Stand the test of time project: this is a two stage project concentrating predominantly on the historic brick work of the remaining walls of the mill.
• Stage One took eight weeks ending in April 09, this dealt with the brick work under the water line or which could only be accessed from areas which were under water. To this end two temporary
dams were put in place and the water pumped out to allow a survey of the Old Mill structure and repairs to th e brick work. Mill Green Forge returned to undertak e further repairs to the wheel and sluice gates inside the wheel house. Two cracks were found on the cast iron wheel frame which has been reinforced. The two old Oak sluice gates in front of the mill wheel had become very rotten over the years. These have been replace by Mill Green Forge with new ones also Oak which should last a good many more years.
•
Stage Two is to be completed over the next couple of years, all of the walls will be surveyed and restored similar to the works that has already taken place. Cracks, missing and crumbling brick work have developed due to the elements, vegetation and vandals, which will need specialist attention. The wheel house roof, over time, has developed cracks and holes. Although not in immediate danger it is in a fragile state and will be reinforced with wire mesh and concrete to prevent it from degrading any further. Finally the cog gearing that had to be taken down in 2007 due to safety reasons will be put back up again and bracketed to the wall for stability.
Directions
The nearest Postcode for this site is EN10 6LX
Bus
310, 311, C3
Car
Leave the A10 at the slip road for Broxbourne and exit the roundabout towards Wormley, Turnford & Broxbourne. At the next roundabout, turn left onto the A1170, High Road Turnford. Remain on the A1170 over the next two roundabouts in order to turn right at the traffic lights onto the B194, towards Broxbourne Station. Turn first right off Station Road into Churchfields. At the end of Churchfields turn left into Old Mill & Meadows.
Silvermeade
A section of unspoiled wet grazing meadow or Lammas Land along side the River Lee at Broxbourne. With a network of ditches and a number of small ponds which have been put in or re-execrated as a part of the Countryside Stewardship Scheme, it is now a valued site for its Water Vole population and Dragonfly and Damselfly species such as the Scarce Hairy Dragonfly and the rare White-legged Damsefly. Popular for walking with good links to the towpath and River Lee Country Park.
Directions
The nearest Postcode for this site is EN10 6HF
By Bus:
310, 311, C3
By Car:
Leave the A10 at the slip road for Broxbourne and exit the roundabout towards Wormley, Turnford & Broxbourne. At the next roundabout, turn left onto the A1170, High Road Turnford. Remain on the A1170 over the next two roundabouts in order to turn right at the traffic lights onto the B194, towards Broxbourne Station. Turn first right off Station Road into Churchfields. At the end of Churchfields turn left into Old Mill & Meadows.
Wharf Road
This is a small pleasant picnic site in Wormley running along the River Lee adjoining Slipe Lane Pits. The Pits are run by a Fishing Consortium and provide excellent angling opportunities as well as beautiful location for walking with close links to the towpath.
Previously a site used heavily for gravel extraction, clues to its past can be seen all over the area. As well as the gravel pits themselves, now filled with water and providing a haven for wildlife, there are less obvious signs such as the Sunken Barges. The barges were once used to transport the gravel from the site along the River Lee. At the end of the site's working life, the barges were no longer needed and were lifted out of the water, where they got half buried and can be found today as a reminder of the sites history. There is a small car park, with height barrier at the entracne, height restriction of 2 metres.
Directions
The nearest Postcode for this site is EN10 6HD
Fishers Green Car Park and Picnic Area
Part of the River Lee Country Park, Fishers Green is a popular site for visitors including walkers, cyclists and birdwatchers and is a short walk from the Lee Valley Park Farms and cafe. There are toilets adjacent to the main car park and picnic tables nearby.
The Bittern Information Point signposted from the car park affords excellent views across Seventy Acres Lake one of 10 flooded former gravel pits in the area. Colonies of Common Tern nest on floating rafts during the summer months and the small reed bed in front of the hide is regularly visited by Bittern in the winter (December – February).
In 2003, 25000 reeds were planted in the lake increasing the area of reed bed by a further 11 acres. This planting was part of a national scheme with the aim of increasing the network of reed beds across the country and enhancing the lakes status as the premier site in the country for watching wintering Bitterns.
The “Information Point” extension was added to the hide in the winter of 2006/7 in which images from cameras installed at various points looking at the lake, reed bed and tern rafts can be viewed on screen. This Information Point is open most weekends staffed by Lee Valley Park Volunteers.
A network of hard surfaced paths link to the majority of the site from the car park, suitable for both wheelchairs and pushchairs.
These paths provide access to a series of hides for birdwatchers including the lofty Grand Weir Hide which allows for viewing over the Goose Fields and Holyfield Lake. The Goose Fields; wet grassland containing specially constructed scrapes attract a wintering flock of Wigeon and are home to a large flock of resident geese, in the summer months look out for Lapwing and Ringed Plover.
The ‘Otter Discovery Trail’, a surfaced accessible route, starts at Fishers Green Car Park and can be followed around Seventy Acres Lake.
Directions
The nearest Postcode for this site is EN9 2EF
Ordnance Survey Grid Reference: TL377031 - Explorer Map 174
By Car
From the M25, exit at junction 26 and join the A121. At the roundabout turn right which will take you over a bridge spanning the M25. At the first set of traffic lights approach in the left hand lane and go straight on.
At the second set of lights move into the right hand lane and go straight on.
At the roundabout take the third exit which is the B194, Crooked Mile.
Follow this road for approx 2 miles until you come to a sharp right hand bend with a turning on the left which is Stubbins Hall Lane.
Take this road and take the left hand fork at the bottom of the slope for Fishers Green Car Park
Cycling
A network of surfaced accessible routes connects parts of the park and Fishers Green is signposted from surrounding areas, the site is located on the National Cycle Networks Route 1. Further information is available elsewhere on the website.
By Train
Whilst there are no direct links to Fishers Green, the site can be easily accessed via Cheshunt Station and a 20 minute walk through River Lee Country Park.
By Bus
Arriva: The Shires & Essex 505 stops in Nazeing then follow the National Cycle Networks Route 1 south from Lower Nazeing which passes the Clayton Hill Car Park and the Lee Valley Park Farms before arriving at Fishers Green Car Park.
Arriva: The Shires & Essex 211, 212, 213, 250, 250, 251 all run along High Bridge Street If entering the site from the South follow the National Cycle Networks Route 1 north from High Bridge Street
On Foot
A network of surfaced accessible routes connects parts of the park and Fishers Green is signposted from surrounding areas of the park.
Hooks Marsh
Hooks Marsh Car Park Closure from 14th December 2009
Hooks Marsh, one of the youngest lakes in the River Lee Country Park, lies at the southern end of Seventy Acres Lake both of which can be accessed from the adjacent car park car. An arching Bridge spans the divide between the two lakes and offers excellent panoramic views
Year round at Hooks Marsh you will be serenaded by a rich variety of birdlife with the noisiest periods in the winter and spring. A popular spot for walkers, birdwatchers and fishermen Hooks Marsh is also a fine place for a quiet walk.
A nature reserve; Hooks Marsh is part of the Turnford and Cheshunt Pits, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The SSSI includes 10 former gravel pits, covering an age span of over 40 years. Several of the pits have extensive shorelines and associated areas of marsh, grassland, scrub and woodland; part of the Small River Lee; and a further water body, Hall Marsh Scrape.
Many different types of management work are carried out in the area ranging from cutting channels into reed beds on the lakes to allow viewing of the waterfowl to weeding the gravel beds to keep them clear of vegetation for the wading birds.
Following the Flood Relief Channel along Waltons’ Walk south from the car park with Hooks Marsh Lake on your right, you arrive at Hall Marsh Scrape a shallow lagoon especially created as a refuge for waterfowl. Over winter many different types of waterfowl can be seen here, including Gadwall, Tufted Duck and more recently Pintail. During spring / summer the water level is reduced to encourage wading birds such as Little Ringed Plover, Snipe and Lapwing. Two hides and the sculptural metal “wing” at Plover viewpoint give birdwatchers and visitors excellent views across the scrape.
Adjacent to Hall Marsh Scrape, but separated by the Powdermill Cut is Friday Lake, another good location to watch wintering wildfowl including Goldeneye and Smew and a binocular stand is located on the shore close to Waltham Common Lock.
Click here for more site information
Directions
The nearest Postcode for this site is EN9 2ED
Grid Reference; TL 376026 – Explorer Map 174
By Car
From the M25, exit at junction 26 and join the A121. Go straight on over 2 roundabouts and under the M25. At the traffic lights approach in the right hand lane and turn right onto the B194.
At the next roundabout keep in the left hand lane and take the second exit continuing on the B194 along the dual carriageway.
Keep in the left hand land and at the next roundabout take the first exit which is the B194, Crooked Mile.
Follow this road for approx 1 mile and turn left down Fishers Green Lane, which is signposted Hooks Marsh Car Park.
Cycling
A network of surfaced accessible routes connects parts of the park and Hooks Marsh is signposted from surrounding areas, the site is located on the National Cycle Networks Route 1. Further information is available elsewhere on the website.
By Train
The nearest station is at Cheshunt.
By Bus
Arriva: The Shires & Essex 505 stops in Nazeing then follow the National Cycle Networks Route 1 south from Lower Nazeing which passes the Clayton Hill Car Park, the Lee Valley Park Farms and Fishers Green before arriving at Hooks Marsh Car Park.
Arriva: The Shires & Essex 211, 212, 213, 250, 250, 251 all run along High Bridge Street If entering the site from the South follow the National Cycle Networks Route 1 north from High Bridge Street
On Foot
A network of surfaced accessible routes connects parts of the park and Hooks Marsh is signposted from surrounding areas of the park.
Windmill Lane & Pindar Car Park
Windmill Lane is easily accessible by train or by road. From here you can explore River Lee Country Park a unique patchwork of lakes, waterways, green open spaces and countryside areas all linked together by paths, walkways and cycle tracks.
Located on Windmill Lane next to Pindar car park is YHA Lee Valley Village and Herts Young Mariners Base.
The majority of the site has hard surfaced paths suitable for both wheelchairs and pushchairs.
The Orchid Discovery Trail starts from Pindar Car Park, height restriction of 2 metres.
Directions
The nearest Postcode for this site is EN9 1XQ
By Car
From junction 25 of the M25, join the A10 towards Hertford. Head straight on until the first set of traffic lights then turn right towards Cheshunt.
At the next roundabout turn left and then immediately right after the pedestrian crossing into Windmill Lane.
Pindar Car Park, Herts Young Mariners Base, YHA Lee Valley Village are over the railway line at the end of Windmill Lane. There is a height barrier at the entrance to the car park, height restriction of two metres.
By Train
The nearest station is Cheshunt.
Highbridge Street and Showground
The car park at Highbridge Street is now permanently closed for the construction of the White Water Canoe Centre.
Directions
Location information
River Lee Country Park has a number of car parks:
Cheshunt Country Walk and Pindar off Windmill Lane, Cheshunt. Height Restriction 2 metres.
Turnford Brook of the B176 Turnford. Height Restriction 2 metres
Wharf Road off the A1170 Wormley. Height Restriction 2 metres.
Fishers Green, Stubbins Hall Lane off B194 Waltham Abbey
Hooks Marsh, Fishers Green Lane, off B194 Waltham Abbey
Old Mill and Meadows, Mill Lane, Broxbourne
Clayton Hill, off B194 Nazeing. Height Restriction 2 metres.
Abbey Gardens, off B194 Waltham Abbey
Cornmill Meadows, Off B194 Waltham Abbey. Height Restriction 2 metres.
Three Railway Stations also serve River Lee Country Park. For the North use Broxbourne, Central use Cheshunt and for the South use Waltham Cross.
The park also has many pedestrian and cycle entrances. Please refer to the Explore River Lee Country Park Leaflet below for further details.
Related links
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Model Yacht Club
Sailing at Clayton Hill Country Park.
The club's water is located in the Lee Valley Country Park at Clayton Hill, Nazeing, on the Herts/Essex borders.