| Walthamstow Reservoirs | |
|---|---|
| Path running between reservoirs 4 and 5 | |
| Location | London Borough of Waltham Forest |
| Lake type | Reservoir |
| Basin countries | United Kingdom |
The Walthamstow Reservoirs are located in the London Borough of Waltham Forest at Walthamstow. They form part of the Lee Valley Reservoir Chain which supplies drinking water to London,[1] and are owned and managed by Thames Water.
The complex comprises ten reservoirs:[2][3]
Contents |
The reservoirs were constructed on marshland adjoining the River Lea in the mid 19th century by the East London Waterworks Company. There are two Victorian industrial structures on the site, including the Coppermill which gives its name to nearby Coppermill Lane, Coppermill Stream, and the Coppermills Water Treatment Works. [4]
The Walthamstow Reservoirs are a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)[2] which supports the most notable variety of breeding wetland birds among all of London's drinking water reservoirs. [5]. The wooded islands on No. 1 reservoir are the location of the famous heronry, at which the numbers of breeding pairs reach a level placing it in the country's top five sites. Formerly also a heronry, the two islands in No. 5 reservoir are now home to large numbers of cormorants.[6] Great crested grebe, pochard, tufted duck, coot, yellow wagtail, sedge warbler and reed warbler are all regular breeding visitors.[5]
Nearly 300 species of plant have been recorded in the wooded areas, grass banks, fen and open water habitats of the reservoirs.
The five reservoirs, grounds and the Coppermill Stream form an extensive enclave of natural habitats, albeit within a man made and securely fenced infrastructure. They are visited by birdwatchers and naturalists[7][8] but especially by anglers. All the reservoirs are variously stocked with fish, providing both coarse fishing and fly fishing. Carp over 40 pounds have been recorded, and rainbow trout up to 5 pounds.[6] An inexpensive day permit is required to visit the site.