Walthamstow Wetlands

As the population of London grew during the 19th century (from just under 2 million in 1801 to just over 6 million in 1897) the need for more clean, fresh water became urgent. The Victorian planners’ answer was to develop the already boggy land around the River Lea in east London into reservoirs. The first three, laboriously hand dug and occupying just 18 hectares of land, were opened by the East London Waterworks Company in 1863. A drought and subsequent cholera epidemic three years later prompted a second burst of construction – reservoirs Nos. 4 and 5 and the High and Low Maynard Reservoirs. Then in 1887 the splendidly Italianate Coppermill Tower was added to house a Davy compound engine, a new and powerful type of steam engine developed specifically for pumping at waterworks and mines.

In 1894, the Engine House (now the visitor centre) was built and remained in service until the 1980s.

Underneath the engine house was a network of underground reservoirs, chambers and pipes that linked the reservoirs and reached as far as Stoke Newington. Some of these, no longer in use, are still be seen around the margins of the reservoirs. This one, well fenced off to stop you falling in, has certainly been reclaimed by nature – although that could almost be a Bansky against the far wall – the silhouettes of drinkers in a pub?

The last, and largest, reservoir to be built was the Lockwood in 1897 but this time dug by steam-powered pumps, engines and cranes – and a team of 50 horses!

In 1904, the Metropolitan Water Board became the new owners of Walthamstow Reservoirs and remained so until 1973 when the Thames Water Authority took over. In 1975, Walthamstow Reservoirs’ important status for London’s wildlife was officially recognised for the first time as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and in 2000, the site became part of the Lea Valley Special Protection Area for wildlife.

Finally, in 2017, after several years of planning, buildings restoration and habitat enhancement, Walthamstow Wetlands re-opened to the public under the stewardship of the London Wildlife Trust.

As a visitor you can, for free, walk around the reservoirs enjoying the sweeping views over London…

… a quiet afternoon’s fishing…

…or just watch the many visiting and resident birds doing their own thing. Note how these gulls have all taken up their places on the stakes around the island. I am not sure what is on that island but they are providing a fine guard.

The wetlands are open to visit from 9.30am to 4pm every day and are free to visit although there is a small car parking charge – and there is a nice café in the restored engine room. More details on the London Wildlife Trust site.