London Wildlife Trust to open new nature reserve
by
Image courtesy of London Wildlife Trust
Offering an opportunity to enjoy nature in the heart of north-east London, a reservoir closed to the public for nearly 200 years will open as a new nature reserve next year. £1.5 million has been secured to fund the Woodberry Wetlands, which will include a new bridge and boardwalk, to give greater access to the site, and a café and visitor centre.
Announcing the creation of the site by London Wildlife Trust, their Chief Executive, Carlo Laurenzi said, “The creation of Woodberry Wetlands shows that we can bring nature back into people’s lives.”
The reservoir in Stoke Newington, owned by Thames Water, is already an important habitat for many birds including reed bunting, song thrush, kingfisher and bittern and also provides foraging and roosting sites for bats and an important winter shelter for wildfowl. Reed beds and a wildflower meadow are also planned to attract additional wildlife.
The development is jointly funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Thames Water, Hackney Council and Berkeley Homes.