"Woodberry Wetlands" to open this summer

The London Wildlife Trust have announced that the new "Woodberry Wetlands" nature reserve will open this summer, as a development of the existing Stoke Newington East Reservoir:

Woodberry Wetlands is a new nature reserve being developed by London Wildlife Trust on the site of Stoke Newington’s East Reservoir. As part of the development, the Trust will be dredging silt from the reservoir to create 13,000 square metres of new reedbed, more than doubling this important habitat at the reservoir for east London’s wildlife....

The Woodberry Wetlands site is already important for nature, with waterfowl such as pochard, shoveler and gadwall visiting the site. Grey heron, tufted duck, reed bunting and other wetland birds are also present, along with kingfisher and other species such as damselflies, dragonflies, amphibians and bats. The extension of the reedbeds will increase the numbers of reed bunting and reed warbler that breed at the site and will provide additional habitat for over wintering bittern, one of the rarest UK breeding birds.

David Mooney, London Wildlife Trust’s East London Development Manager: “This is large scale nature conservation in the heart of London. As Woodberry Wetlands develops it will become increasingly important for wildlife and people seeking nature and tranquillity in the midst of a hectic city.”

“Using the silt that has built up naturally in the reservoir we will create a network of interconnecting, wildlife-friendly habitats and micro-habitats that will provide a fascinating window on nature for school groups and other visitors.”

Woodberry Wetlands are currently closed to the public but will open this summer for free public access. See www.woodberrywetlands.org.uk

Sounds promising....