East India Dock Basin NR

This small reserve is situated just East of the Isle of Dogs and immediately across the Thames from the Millenium Dome. It is at the Southern end of the Lea Valley Park. There is a tidal lagoon with a shingle island and mudflats which can disappear at high tide. This is fringed on one side by a narrow band of reeds and trees adjacent to the main road (Lower Lea Crossing). There is also a small wooded area about half the size of a football pitch.

Specialities include Black Redstarts in Autumn/Winter, Peregrine visible on and around the Millenium Dome, Kingfisher, Passage Warblers, Common Terns and occasional Little Egrets. Firecrest, Whimbrel and Roseate Tern have also been seen.

Nearest station is East India on the DLR. From the station walk directly towards the Thames and then turn left and walk alongside the river to enter the reserve. It is possible to park in the sliproad leading to Orchard Place and then enter the reserve at the NE corner through the small gate.

My 2006 list which currently stands at 59 (15th June) is: Blue Tit, Great Tit, Long Tailed Tit, Wren, Robin, Dunnock, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Starling, Swallow, Swift, Carrion Crow, Magpie, Jay, Wood Pigeon, Stock Dove, Heron, Cormorant, Little Grebe, Coot, Moorhen, Tufted Duck, Mallard, Teal, Shelduck, Gadwall, Shoveler, Pochard, Black Headed Gull, Common Gull, Lesser Black Backed Gull, Great Black Backed Gull, Herring Gull, Common Tern, Roseate Tern, Little Ringed Plover, Whimbrel, Oystercatcher, Kingfisher, Mute Swan, Canada Goose, Black Redstart, Grey Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, Great Spotted Woodpecker, House Sparrow, Blackcap, Willow Warbler, Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat, Reed Warbler, Garden Warbler, Reed Bunting, Peregrine, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel. (Richard Harrison)