LCC Nature Walks: WALTHAMSTOW WETLANDS CIRCULAR [EAST LONDON]

Red salute, ramblers! We're back and still going strong this Summer with another fine selection from London's rich geography. This time, we're keeping with our East London theme and taking on the Walthamstow Wetlands, following a circular trail of my own design which starts and ends at Clapton station on the Overground (Weaver line).

Measuring a whopping 211 hectares, Walthamstow Wetlands is the largest urban wetlands in Europe. It is also a fully operational Thames Water reservoir site, and is the main source of water supply for 3.5 million people. So, it’s not just pretty, it’s a pretty big deal.

Offering over 13 miles of paths to explore across an untamed, wildlife-friendly site, the local authorities opened up the areas around the Walthamstow reservoirs for all to enjoy back in 2017. (It was previously only open to anglers, birdwatchers, and other dedicated types who’d got themselves a permit.)

The site is an internationally important nature reserve, providing home and shelter to a range of wildlife. Due to its position within the Lee Valley, it serves as a byway for migrating, wintering, and breeding birds. Supporting a significant wintering population of pochard, shoveler and gadwall, Walthamstow Wetlands is regionally important to breeding populations of grey heron, tufted duck, little egret, cormorant and other waterfowl. Because of its location in the Lee Valley, Walthamstow Wetlands attracts a range of wading birds that stop off during their often long-distance journeys. I'll bring a pair of good binoculars so we can check some of these creatures out if the chance arises.

In 1852, the East London Waterworks Company was granted permission to develop the Walthamstow reservoirs on marshland adjoining the River Lea, with construction taking place between 1863 and 1904, growing in scale and height as the needs of London grew. By 1863, the first stage of the reservoirs development was completed with the construction of Reservoir Nos. 1, 2 and 3. Collectively they occupied just under 18 hectares of land and were all laboriously hand-dug by teams of navvies.

The Marine Engine House and the Coppermill are two pieces of dazzling industrial history which should be visible on our route. The first is now a cafe and shop (with bathrooms available), the second serves as an operations hub for Thames Water (boo). From 1659 until 1703, the Coppermill was known to have been used as a paper mill with the adjacent stream being referred to as the Paper-mill River. However, in 1699 the adjacent marshes are noted to have been referred to as Powder Mill Marsh which questions the use of the mill and suggests that it may have been used in the production of gunpowder for the English Civil War between 1642 and 1651. A number of gunpowder mills operated in the Lower Lee Valley, suggesting that the mill may have been used as such during this time.

In 1940, Walthamstow was hit by the first of many German bombs during the Blitz in World War II. Several of the reservoirs were damaged during the Blitz, and the level of the Lockwood Reservoir was lowered in order to mitigate potential damage if its banks were breached by bombs.

We'll end where we began, at Clapton, and take a decision on the day about which of Clapton's famous pubs to patronise for a late lunch and pint.

Note: no dogs allowed at the Wetlands, so she will be sitting this one out!

• Distance/Time: About 13-13.5km for a roughly 4.5 hours' walk, depending on our speed
• Terrain: Mostly flat and clear - just bring good shoes or boots
• Supplies: 3.5L water and some snacks or a portable lunch - we'll hit up a local pub (Blondies, Crooked Billet or Biddle Bros probably) for a pint and late lunch after
• Weather: Most likely sunny as hell. Bring lots of water - I've recommended more above than I normally do - and some sun protection, whether SPF or a good old-fashioned hat.

Take care comrades and see you in the meadows!