Until 2016, the Woodberry Reservoir in Stoke Newington, North London, was off-limits to the public.

Thanks to support from National Lottery players, the London Wildlife Trust rejuvenated the East Reservoir and in April 2016, with the help of Sir David Attenborough, opened it up to nature lovers, dog walkers and anyone seeking tranquillity and wilderness in the city.

[quote]“Today, thanks to the support made possible by people buying Lottery tickets, the site plays host to an incredible selection of habitats and flora, including reedbeds, wildflowers, willow and alder.”[/quote]

The reservoirs were built in 1833 to serve the population of London with fresh water, adding to the 17th-century New River scheme led by Sir Hugh Myddleton. The Victorian pumping station, as well as the reservoirs themselves, were targeted by bombers during the Second World War, and faced destruction of a different kind in the 1990s as plans were drawn up to concrete over them and build housing.

Today, thanks to the support made possible by people buying Lottery tickets, the site plays host to an incredible selection of habitats and flora, including reedbeds, wildflowers, willow and alder, and an even more breathtaking variety of animal life, with kingfishers, warblers and bunting all calling the reservoir home. It also forms part of a ‘green corridor’ into central London, linking Woodberry with Walthamstow Wetlands, and beyond to the Lea Valley and Epping Forest.

In its first year of opening, Woodberry Wetlands has become an incredibly popular destination for families, the local community and people from across London, and will continue to provide a haven for wildlife and people for the foreseeable future.