Lee Valley WaterWorks Nature Reserve

The Esssex Filter Beds were built in 1849 to purify London's drinking water and 40 years ago was transformed into a £2.8 million Nature Reserve and 'Close Up On Wildlife' visitor centre.

Today, the site is a sanctuary for wildlife and has 322 species of plants -two of which are locally scarce. The site is also home to grass snakes, common frogs, common toads, smooth newts and water voles. Tree sparrows, linnets and reed sparrows are just some of the 25 species of birds that breed at the reserve. Kingfishers also breed nearby and regularly visit the site to feed. The site is also host to over one quarter of the species of dragonfly found in Britain.

A Visitor Centre is also a feature at the site, and visitors can interact with displays to discover the site's history and the wildlife that inhabit the area. There is also a six station bird hide in the reserve.

Visitors can enjoy refreshments whilst looking out at the wonderful views of the golf course and nature reserve in the cafe at the centre.

The Waterworks Nature Reserve also has a veranda, shop, auditorium (available for private functions), interactive exhibition and free parking.

Opening Times
The Visitor Centre (including caf, shop and exhibition) isopen from 8am - dusk in winter; 8am - 9pm in the summer, 7 days a week.

We offer:

• Nature reserve