WaterWorks Nature Reserve
As the name suggests, this site was once used for water purification, but it’s now a unique wildlife haven and family favourite.
The site features one of the largest bird hides in London which provides a fantastic close up experience for visitors. Nine of the original water beds remain and each radial bed is managed throughout the year to show the different stages of natural succession.
On site there are over 500 species of plant, over 25 species of breeding birds and a range of wildlife.
The site was first Green Flag accredited in July 2006, was last assessed in May 2010 and will have its next assessment in summer 2011.
Walthamstow Marshes
Walthamstow Marshes is a wonderful riverside nature reserve which has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and is very important for certain rare plants and other wildlife.
The SSSI is a fragment of once extensive marshes and traces of Ice Age river channels can still be seen when the water table is high. After a gap of nearly 100 years, cows can be seen grazing the marshes again, restoring an ancient tradition.
A diverse wildlife population is supported by the marshes and the site boasts a range of flora.
The site was first Green Flag accredited in July 2006, was last assessed in May 2010, and will have its next assessment in summer 2011.
Gunpowder Park
Gunpowder Park is a 222 acre country park which benefits lots of important wildlife whilst providing a wonderful day out.
Formerly part of the Royal Gunpowder Mills, it was used for the research and development of explosives. This land has now been regenerated into a great place for walkers, runners and cyclists and an important habitat.
The site was first Green Flag accredited in July 2006, was last assessed in May 2010, and will have its next assessment in summer 2011.
Bow Creek
Once used for iron works, shipbuilding and as a coal wharf the site has been redeveloped to provide tranquility in an urban landscape.
The site boasts interconnecting ponds, an outdoor classroom and the surrounding tidal river attracts flocks of waders such as Redshank, when the mud is exposed at low tide.
The site was first Green Flag accredited in July 2007, was last assessed in May 2010 and will have its next assessment in summer 2011.
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Rye House Gatehouse
Rye House Gatehouse is all that remains of a once fortified manor house. The Grade I listed building was once one of the first brick built buildings in the country and one of the finest medieval moated sites in Hertfordshire.
The gatehouse boasts a winding staircase which leads to an outside viewing platform overlooking a fine example of a “Barley Sugar Twist” chimney.
The site was first Green Flag accredited in July 2007, was last assessed in May 2010 and will have its next assessment in summer 2011.
Waltham Abbey Gardens (Heritage Award)
Waltham Abbey Gardens is an award-winning site steeped in history and set in the grounds of the Abbey, the last to be dissolved by Henry VIII and thought to be the site of King Harold’s grave. The remains of some of the Abbey buildings can still be seen today including the gatehouse and the passage from the cloisters to the sleeping quarters.
The site boasts Cornmill stream, an old orchard and Cornmill Meadows Dragonfly Sanctuary, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), where up to half of Britain’s native species of dragonfly can be see between May and September.
The site was first Green Flag accredited in July 2007, was last assessed in May 2010, and will have its next assessment in summer 2011.
Myddelton House Gardens
Myddelton House Gardens have been undergoing a restoration since 1984 in the ‘style’ of E.A. Bowles, the renowned plantsman who created them.
A grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund is enabling a two year project to restore several areas of the gardens to their former glory. This includes restoration works, renovations to the Kitchen Garden and the creation of a visitors centre and café, opening in April 2011. The gardens boast an impressive range of flora and fauna and are also home to a National Collection of Dyke Medal winning Iris (the highest award given to Iris).
The gardens were first Green Flag accredited in July 2008, were last assessed in May 2010, and will have their next assessment in the summer of 2011.
Tottenham Marshes
Located just six miles from the centre of London, Tottenham Marshes is a mosaic of trees, shrubs, rough grassland and waterways, making it an important wildlife area.
Tottenham Marshes is made up of three main areas, Clendish Marsh, Wild Marsh West and Wild Marsh East.
Channel restoration on site has provided artificial nest sites for Sand Martin and Kingfisher and the glorious grasslands provide a home to a wide variety of plants and animals.
The site was first Green Flag accredited in July 2008, was last assessed in May 2010, and will have its next assessment in summer 2011