27. Walthamstow Wetlands
Themes: Biodiversity; Getting people and communities engaged
Objectives:
- Improve riverine and riparian habitat
- Improve knowledge and understanding of the catchment
- Improve awareness of the impact of behaviour on the water environment
- Increase public engagement and participation
Project description
Walthamstow Reservoir is being transformed into a distinctive urban wetland nature reserve and centre for learning that is unprecedented in size in London.
Recast as Walthamstow Wetlands, the site will open in 2017 and give visitors free access to its natural, industrial and social heritage in one of the capital's most diverse and populous urban areas.
The ten reservoirs that make up this 211 hectare site are nationally and internationally recognised as significant for wildlife, particularly overwintering wildfowl. They constitute the largest fishery in London and will continue to be an operational water supply site for Thames Water.
The £8.7M project is being led by the London Borough of Waltham Forest in partnership with Thames Water and key stakeholders including Environment Agency, Natural England and the Greater London Authority. £4.47 million has been secured from the Heritage Lottery Fund in addition to £3.7M contributed by the partners. This funding is supplemented by in kind contributions for maintenance and volunteering costs.
London Wildlife Trust is delivering the Walthamstow Wetlands project and will be responsible for conserving and enhancing the site's wildlife and heritage. The Trust has developed a programme of public engagement activities including formal and informal learning, volunteering and training.
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Project lead: London Wildlife Trust
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