Walthamstow Wetlands

Important notice!

Due to high winds the north side of Walthamstow Wetlands is closed today Wednesday 3rd June. The path from the Engine House to the Coppermill Tower remains open.

Thank you for your understanding.

Happy 100th birthday to Sir David Attenborough! 🎉

We’d like to thank Sir David for over four decades of support for London Wildlife Trust — his wisdom, warmth and unwavering commitment has strengthened our mission at every step.

From championing our work behind the scenes to opening the iconic Woodberry Wetlands in 2016, he has helped Londoners reconnect with nature. Sir David’s extraordinary ability to tell nature’s story and inspire wonder has encouraged generations of people to care for and take action for wildlife.

Earlier this year, in the remarkable BBC documentary Wild London, Sir David celebrated the beauty and surprise of wildlife across our capital city, reminding us that nature belongs everywhere.

Watch Wild London, presented by Sir David Attenborough and co-produced by London Wildlife Trust on BBC iPlayer 👇
https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m002hzg7/wild-london

Our Big Give appeal is live! 🌍🌿

This Earth Day, you can help protect and restore London’s grasslands and meadows - some of the most wildlife-rich habitats in the city.

These spaces support orchids, butterflies, glow-worms, common lizards and field voles, but they need active care to survive. Around 80% of chalk grassland has been lost in the last 75 years, and without management, these habitats can quickly disappear.

From now until midday on 29th April, eligible donations will be doubled.

Please help us restore habitats where wildlife can thrive.

Donate today 👇
https://donate.biggive.org/campaign/a05WS00000AFNPxYAP


Thames Water London Borough of Waltham Forest

⚠️ Path closure at Walthamstow Wetlands

Please note that the 1–2–3 and 4–5 paths on the reserve will be temporarily closed due to improvement works on the electricity pylons.

These works are part of a national project to boost the UK’s electricity network, helping bring clean energy from offshore wind farms to cities like London. To make this happen, power lines including the three iconic pylons on our site need upgrading.

Plans have begun at short notice and the works are expected to be completed by the end of August this year. Thank you for your understanding.

London Borough of Waltham Forest Thames Water

Looking for a fun way to connect with nature in London this spring? 🌿 From creative workshops inspired by the natural world to hands-on citizen science projects, there’s loads to discover at London Wildlife Trust events.

Tap the link below to explore what’s on and book your place:
https://www.wildlondon.org.uk/events/spring

LB Waltham Forest

Spring is full of wonder at Walthamstow Wetlands 🌙💧

From stargazing under the night sky to discovering the amazing pond life in action, there’s so much to enjoy this season.

Find out more and book your tickets below:
https://www.wildlondon.org.uk/events/spring

🌿🐛 Everyone’s favourite caterpillar has arrived at Walthamstow Wetlands! 🦋🌈

The world’s most famous caterpillar from Eric Carle’s best-selling book has joined us for a family nature trail.

✅ Trail map included
✅ 8 trail points featuring UK birds + insects
✅ £5

📅 Dates: Saturday 21st March to 30th June

Book your space: https://ow.ly/xbPp50YsZpR

Or turn up on the day for tickets, subject to availability

Experience the wetlands in a new sonic way 🎧🌿

From 20th March, discover WETLANDS - a sound installation of new songs by Hayden Thorpe, written to be experienced as you explore Walthamstow Wetlands.

“Having lived and worked beside Walthamstow Wetlands for almost 15 years, I have over time accumulated many musical sketches which seem to belong alongside the site’s wild spaces. The form of the music feels indistinguishable from the routes and viewpoints that I visit whilst listening.

A radical idea occurred to me - rather than a traditional release, this collection would be best experienced within the geography of the Wetlands itself. I hope that by soundtracking your visit, the music reveals otherwise hidden and subliminal happenings here, in our most unique urban sanctuary.”

- Hayden Thorpe

Credits
Hayden Thorpe - Words & Music
Lucy Joy - String Arrangements
Propellor Ensemble - Strings & Clarinet
Molly Gromadzki - Readings
Alex Crabbe -Artwork & Design

BMG Production Music



📸Eeva Rinne

Celebrate The Very Hungry Caterpillar Day with us! 🎉🐛

Join the fun at Walthamstow Wetlands for the launch of The Very Hungry Caterpillar Trail.

Come along for:
🎭 Costumed characters
🎨 Face painting and family activities
🗺️ Full trail access

Launch day: Saturday 21st March, 9 – 4pm

🎟️ Book your ticket here: https://www.wildlondon.org.uk/events/2026-03-21-very-hungry-caterpillar-trail-launch-day

Who’s coming along for the adventure? 🐛

Puffin Books The World of Eric Carle
(TM & © 2026)

This , London Wildlife Trust is celebrating the connection between London’s wildlife and the people who take time to notice it. 💚🦔

Recently, a father, his daughter and son joined our Introduction to Hedgehogs event. Together, the group made mammal footprint tunnels, learned about hedgehogs during the session, and then placed the tunnels out in our Forest School copse.

Afterwards, the tunnels were collected – the team suspect there may already be hedgehog footprints. The smallest signs can feel like magic when you’ve been looking closely. ✨

And then came an extra-special moment: Ethan (aged 7) shared a poem he wrote about hedgehogs. It’s a wonderful reminder of the power of nature connection when you take the time to explore.

Ethan’s poem:
Hedgehogs Hedgehogs everywhere

Hedgehogs hedgehogs everywhere
But not a one to see
one million in the UK
hiding under trees.

Safe in spikey houses
grown upon their backs,
Curled up in a little ball
that’s never going to crack.

And even if he opens up
he’s probably coming back,
to eat a worm or fallen fruit
so hedgehogs make a comeback.

We all carry nature memories from childhood - and we need to restore nature so children like Ethan can keep making them.

Want to get involved? Join one of our upcoming events and discover the wildlife on your doorstep. 🌿

LB Waltham Forest

🐛✨ Something colourful is wriggling its way to Walthamstow Wetlands…

The Very Hungry Caterpillar-themed family trail is coming soon! 🌿🦋

Follow the journey around the reserve and find flying friends along the way from buzzing bees to soaring birds. 🐝🕊️

Dates: Saturday 21st March to 30th June

Tickets available now! Who’s coming along? 🐛🌈
https://www.wildlondon.org.uk/events/2026-03-21-very-hungry-caterpillar-trail

LB Waltham Forest
(TM & © 2026)

Join us at the wetlands for guided bird walks, gardening workshops and more 🐦🌿

Spend time with our friendly nature experts and discover the amazing wildlife right on your doorstep.

Find out what’s coming up via the link below🔗
https://www.wildlondon.org.uk/events/winter

LB Waltham Forest

Search | London Wildlife Trust Got a question about wildlife? Search our website to find the answer!

Step inside the Engine House this winter and let Randomatones wash over you 🎶✨

Join us at Walthamstow Wetlands for a free two day art installation. Created by software developer and musician Andrew Booker, this dreamy sound-art installation fills the Turbine Room with slow-moving, synthesised tones.

🗓️Saturday 28th February - Sunday 1st March
⏰ 9:30am–3:30pm
☕ Grab a drink from the café, then sit, listen, watch for as long as you like.
💬Artist Andrew will be available for a talk from 2:30pm each day.