Woodberry Wetlands & Woodberry Down Park

Woodberry Down Park & Woodberry Wetlands, London

Woodberry Down Park and Woodberry Wetlands are a green oasis within the London Borough of Hackney.

Looking to the north over the former East Reservoir.

History

Sir David Attenborough opened Woodberry Wetlands (formerly Stoke Newington East Reservoir) in 2016. Thames Water own the site. The London Wildlife Trust’s team of volunteers manage the 11 hectares of tranquil reed-fringed ponds and dykes. The reservoirs (dug by hand) date from 1836 and the New River which feeds them from the early 17th century. The New River was built to bring fresh water into London from Hertfordshire. The indoor Castle Climbing Centre is the site of the former pumping station.

A haven for people and wildlife alike

Wildlife

Wildlife includes frogs, newts, and toads as well as a large number of birds. During the year bitterns, cormorants, great crested grebes, gadwalls, herons, kingfishers, reed warblers and tufted ducks are present in the area. Bats and foxes can also be spotted.

Sightings board

Facilities

Facilities at Woodberry Wetlands include a cafe, visitor centre, a shop and picnic area. The New River runs through the small, 0.5 hectare Woodberry Down Park which has a children’s play area and exercise equipment.

New development in the area

Access – Getting There

Woodberry Wetlands, Main Entrance via New River Path Lordship Road
London
N16 5HQ
Tel: 020 8356 3000.

Woodberry Down Park is open 24 hours. Woodberry Wetlands has seasonal opening times. October to March: 9.30 am to 4 pm
(last entry through the East gate at 3.30 pm); April to September: 9.30 am to 5 pm (last entry through the East gate at 4:30pm)

The property of the New River Company

The nearest stations are Manor House tube station on the Piccadilly Line of the London underground network and Stamford Hill. Stamford Hill (Zone 3) has trains from London Liverpool Street towards Cheshunt or Enfield Town. The 141 (Tottenhall Road to London Bridge Station) and 341 (Meridian Water Station to Waterloo Station) buses both stop at Manor House. Finsbury Park tube station is 30 minutes on foot.