Walthamstow Wetlands

About the reserve

Walthamstow Wetlands is a 211-hectare site comprising ten reservoirs that provide drinking water for London and which are internationally recognised for their importance for migrating birds – particularly overwintering wildfowl.

The Victorian-era Engine House hosts a fully-accessible visitor centre with café, shop, interactive displays, viewing platform, toilets, and art installations. In addition a unique 'swift tower' has been built, in the shape of the original chimney, to house nesting swifts and roosting bats.

Walthamstow Wetlands contains a range of habitats and experiences, from sheltered dense scrub-lined banks to wide windswept views towards the city. It remains the largest fishery in London.

Check for the latest site updates at Walthamstow Wetlands here

History of Walthamstow Wetlands

The site's ten reservoirs were built by the East London Waterworks over a 70-year period, growing in scale and height as the needs of London grew. The water bodies are a mix of statutory (raised) reservoirs and non-statutory (ground) reservoirs.

Find out more about the history of Walthamstow Wetlands here

Management of Walthamstow Wetlands

A dedicated volunteering team help maintain reedbeds, grassland and hedgerows through regular conservation workdays. A programme of wildlife monitoring and surveys is also undertaken.

The Walthamstow Wetlands project has already helped enrich existing habitats as well as create entirely new ones. New reedbeds have been created in the low-lying reservoirs to support wildfowl populations and attract rare birds such as bittern. Trees have been planted and new meadows and grasslands are being created while bat boxes, bird nest boxes, and bird feeding stations, are being installed.

Volunteering opportunities exist for people of all abilities. For more information please email Nadia Ward at nward@wildlondon.org.uk or visit our volunteering page. 

Our role at Walthamstow Wetlands

The Trust works at Walthamstow Wetlands in partnership with Thames Water and London Borough of Waltham Forest. Our role includes conservation, outdoor learning, and volunteering, operation of the on-site visitor centre and café.
Thames Water is the site owner responsible for operating the reservoirs and issuing fishing permits.
London Borough of Waltham Forest provides significant financial and strategic support to the Wetlands. 

Status of Walthamstow Wetlands

Includes the Walthamstow Reservoirs Site of Special Scientific Interest. Part of the Lee Valley Special Protection Area, Ramsar site of international importance, and Lee Valley Walthamstow Site of Metropolitan Importance for Nature Conservation.

Wildfowl including gadwall, shoveler, tufted duck, bittern, grey heron, and cormorant, have been key to the site obtaining these designations.

Find out more about the wildlife that calls Walthamstow Wetlands home here

Accessibility

1 - Parking

Walthamstow Wetlands seeks to provide equal opportunity for all to enjoy the nature reserve and visitor facilities. There are four parking bays available for blue badge holders which are free of charge.

2 - Access

The Engine House and main concrete pathway through the site are accessible for wheelchair users and those with walking difficulties. As a nature reserve the remaining pathways on the wetlands site are dirt track so may be uneven or muddy in places. The Engine House has a platform lift and there are accessible toilets with ramp entry.

3 - Assistance Dogs

Please be advised that trained assistance dogs on duty are welcome, but in order to protect the sensitive habitat and drinking water supply, we cannot allow other dogs or pets of any kind on-site, as the wildlife may become distressed.