Woodberry Wetlands

A new and exciting centre for conservation

What springs to mind when you imagine the sun shining through the leafy canopy above you, the sound of water lapping gently at a shore whilst rare birds flutter around you?
It’s probably not an up-and-coming corner of North East London, but that’s exactly what you’ll find at the new Woodberry Wetlands conservation area just east of Finsbury Park and north of Stoke Newington.
This expanse of green tranquility, flanked with ancient oaks and wide reed beds, represents the most recent success by the London Wildlife Trust to create new havens for wildlife and Hackney residents alike.
Consisting of 11 hectares surrounding two reservoirs, the wetlands were opened in 2016 by none other than Sir David Attenborough who called it a “huge, huge benefit”; previously, the area had not been open to the public for 200 years. It has now been transformed.

Interestingly enough, the wetlands once weren’t wetlands at all, but rolling ‘down’ land, leading to the naming of the area ‘Woodberry Down’. In the past, this land would have been home to a variety of wild grazing animals, such as deer and wild boar. During the 1960s, at the zenith of the trend for built-up urban housing projects, the reservoirs were practically barren due to the use of harsh chemicals and lack of vegetation. Then, as the enthusiasm for social housing waned, the area fell into a decline and the reservoirs were due to be filled and paved. However, the local residents campaigned to save it, leading to the decision to convert the area into one of London’s most promising nature reserves and a Site of Metropolitan Importance.

During a visit to the wetlands, you’re free to stroll, run or cycle around and enjoy the scenery at your leisure; but there’s also the chance to get more involved with conservation-themed events. There are activities all year, but during the summer months are when things really get going: who wouldn’t want to attend the aforementioned ‘Wild Yoga’ sessions in a tranquil glade, or explore everything this natural retreat has to offer at their Wild Weekend festival (organised to coincide with the arrival of various migrating birds that call the wetlands their home for a short time).
If you have a little time and can plan in advance, you might want to take one of their creative courses on offer. With a focus on the environment and the wildlife that surrounds us, you could be doing anything from printmaking to beekeeping. It’s a perfect and uniquely London way to experience the great outdoors within the convenience of the city.

Katherine Dawson

TripTide User