Waterworks NR

Waterworks Nature Reserve, formerly known as the Essex Filter Beds, has one of the largest bird hides in London offering close-up views across a series of filter beds.

History
Over 150 years ago the Essex Filter Beds began supplying the surrounding boroughs with much-needed clean water. Now as the WaterWorks Nature Reserve the site fulfills an important new role as a wildlife haven, just a few miles from central London.

Species
Birds: In spring and autumn waders on passage through the valley drop into the site. Common and  Green Sandpiper are regular visitors, whilst Wood Sandpiper and Blacktailed Godwit have recently been recorded.

Teal, Snipe, Pochard and Little Grebe breed here. A variety of wildfowl including Gadwall and Shoveler. Moorhen, Little Grebe and Tufted Duck can be seen. Sand Martin are summer visitors. Garden Warbler, Blackcap, Whitethroat, Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff,  Sedge and Reed Warbler  Great Spotted and Green Woodpecker. Little Owl visit the trees bordering Hackney Marshes and Bittern visit the central beds in winter.

Other wildlife: Over 500 varieties of plants and one quarter of Britain’s butterfly species have been recorded here. The flood relief channel adjacent to the WaterWorks is also an excellent place to view bats foraging in the warm summer evenings.

Habitat
Secluded beds, reeds,  artificial nesting towers,  artificial Kingfisher bank,  central hide, c ertain beds have been allowed to form dense scrub.

Practicalities
The reserve can be accessed through the WaterWorks Centre, where there’s car parking, toilets and a café. There are surfaced paths throughout.

020 8988 7566

Address:<span style="color:rgb(103,103,103);font-family:arial,helvetica,clean,sans-serif;line-height:18px;"> WaterWorks Nature Reserve, Lammas Road, off Lea Bridge Road, Leyton, London E10 7QB  Map

Directions:

<p style="margin-top:0px;line-height:18px;color:rgb(103,103,103);font-family:arial,helvetica,clean,sans-serif;">By Road: Access is from the A104 - Lea Bridge Road

<p style="margin-top:0px;line-height:18px;color:rgb(103,103,103);font-family:arial,helvetica,clean,sans-serif;">By Public Transport: The nearest mainline train station is Clapton. Bus services 55, 56 and 48 stop on Lea Bridge Road

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<p style="margin-top:0px;line-height:18px;color:rgb(103,103,103);font-family:arial,helvetica,clean,sans-serif;">Parking: Free Parking is available at the visitor centre

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<p style="margin-top:0px;line-height:18px;color:rgb(103,103,103);font-family:arial,helvetica,clean,sans-serif;">Accessibility: Wheelchair and buggy friendly

<p style="margin-top:0px;line-height:18px;color:rgb(103,103,103);font-family:arial,helvetica,clean,sans-serif;">Opening Times: The reserve is open from 08:00 until dusk everyday.

<p style="margin-top:0px;line-height:18px;color:rgb(103,103,103);font-family:arial,helvetica,clean,sans-serif;">The WaterWorks centre is open at varying seasonal times.

<p style="margin-top:0px;line-height:18px;color:rgb(103,103,103);font-family:arial,helvetica,clean,sans-serif;">Please check www.visitleevalley.org.uk for more information

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<p style="margin-top:0px;line-height:18px;color:rgb(103,103,103);font-family:arial,helvetica,clean,sans-serif;">Fees: Free

<p style="margin-top:0px;line-height:18px;color:rgb(103,103,103);font-family:arial,helvetica,clean,sans-serif;">Toilets: Available in the visitor centre

<p style="margin-top:0px;line-height:18px;color:rgb(103,103,103);font-family:arial,helvetica,clean,sans-serif;">Refreshments: On site café with Starbucks coffee available