Funding secured for wetlands scheme

The Walthamstow Wetlands scheme took a step forward this week with the announcement it has secured Heritage Lottery Funding support.

The site borders Waltham Forest, Haringey and Hackney and its proximity to the Olympic Park will tie it to the other facilities in the area providing a legacy from the 2012 Games.

The £6.5million project will open Walthamstow Reservoirs to the public, transforming the 200-hectare site into London’s largest urban wetland ature reserve.

The project has been supported throughout by owners of Walthamstow reservoirs, Thames Water, which has committed £1.5m.

Sue Bowers, head of the Heritage Lottery Fund London, said: “We are delighted to give our initial support for these impressive plans that will help uncover Walthamstow Wetlands - a truly hidden part of London’s natural heritage.

“Opening the site up to more people and encouraging them to learn about and enjoy this green oasis in the heart of north east London is a great use of Heritage Lottery Fund money. We are looking forward to seeing these plans progress over the coming months.”

More than 300,000 people live within two miles of the site, which is located only minutes walk from Tottenham Hale and Blackhorse Lane stations, enabling access by public transport from across north east London.

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