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There's lots of waterbodies in the park and keeping safe around them is essential. Find out more about our Bylaws and how you can keep yourself and others safe Staying safe around water Entering water in the park isn’t permitted – not only is it against our Byelaws and but this rule is there to help keep you safe too. In recent years the number of accidental drownings in the UK has risen – a sad fact but true. We’ve set out some advice below to help you enjoy the park this summer. Reporting incidents Report any of the following incidents on the numbers below: unruly or dangerous behaviour in and around water accidents, incidents or near misses wildlife in trouble Contact us 03000 030 610 between 08:00 - 17:00 01992 210 196 between 17:00 - 08:00 In an emergency call 999 Remember Robbie Robbie Lea was a fun loving, sporty 17 year old boy when he entered North Met Pit in the summer of 2017. What was meant to be a laugh with his mates, turned into tragedy as Robbie drowned after the effects of cold water shock took hold. After his tragic death, Robbie’s mum, Sarah, Lee Valley Regional Park Authority and other local and national organisations came together to create the Robbie Lea Water Safety Partnership. Its aim is to help educate children and young people about water safety through assemblies and community events. If you’d like to find out more please email our Learning and Engagement team on learning@leevalleypark.org.uk. Why not? What should I do? Where can I swim? What can parents do? Calling parents! Did you know that 83% of people that drown accidentally are male and there’s been a marked increase in teenagers, mainly young boys and men, entering the waterbodies in the park. We understand that young people want to enjoy themselves, but please share with them the different dangers there are in the water and how they can save themselves and others if they find themselves in danger. You can read the Canal & River Trust's advice for young people here . Why not? Entering water in the park isn’t allowed– it’s dangerous and against our Byelaws. Here are a few of the reason why this isn’t permitted. Here are some other great organisations who have information on water safety: Royal Life Saving Society RNLI Canal & River Trust It’s colder that it looks Inland water is always a lot colder than you think, even on hot days. The drop in your body temperature as you enter the cold water can cause Cold Water Shock . This is where you lose control of your breathing, use of your limbs and if left too long can fall unconscious. This could be fatal. Remember float to live – relax on your back while your body adjusts then make your way to safety. It’s dirtier than it looks From abandoned industrial equipment, dumped trollies, empty glass bottles, wrappers, animal wee and poo… the list goes on! Although our open water is a haven for wildlife it has, unfortunately, been a dumping ground and is still treated disrespectfully today. There’s no way of knowing what’s in the water and what could be going onto your skin, hair and if you accidentally swallow any of the water, into your body. Weil’s disease, also known as Leptospirosis, is a serious infection transmitted through animal wee (particularly from rodents) or contaminated water – you can’t see it, smell it and won’t know you’ve got it until you start experiencing symptoms. Find out more about it here . Dumped rubbish can also cause obstructions underwater which you could get trapped by - this could stop you from getting out of the water to safety. It’s stronger than it looks Lots of water in the park has underwater currents, which you can’t see from the surface. You can easily get caught up in the flow and will tire easily trying to escape. If you find yourself caught in a current, don’t try to swim against it, stay calm, swim with the current and call for help It’s lonelier than it looks There are no lifeguards at our waterbodies so there’s no one to help you. The average time for an emergency ambulance is 8 minutes but with lots of winding paths and detours in the park finding you in an emergency is a lot harder and extra time in cold water can have devastating consequences. A great way to pinpoint your position in the park is with the What3Words app. This will give you three words for your precise location within a 3m square and can be used by emergency services to help find you. Where can I swim? We understand that a lot of people enjoy open water swimming and here are some places around the Lee Valley where you can enjoy it in a safe environment. Lee Valley White Water Centre Herts Young Mariners Base H2O Rampage Redricks Lakes Hampstead Health What should I do? Whenever you’re around water – follow water safety code Stop and think : take in your surroundings, do your research and read all local signs. Stay together: when visiting places with water, go with a friend or family. Only swim at life guarded venues. If you do find yourself in an emergency Call for help! Shout to people on land or call 999 and ask for Fire and Rescue. Do not enter the water to try and help anyone – you could be putting yourself in danger too and making rescues more complicated. Float to live! Lie flat on your back with your arms and legs out like a star, stay calm, and try and keep your breathing at a normal pace. You can see more on float to live here . Take a read of our blog Love Autumn Summer might be over but exploring the park isn't. Read about all the exciting thing to see and do this autumn. 2 days ago Spotlight on autumn wildlife The autumn flora and fauna highlights in Lee Valley Regional Park. 2 days ago 5 Reasons to Love Lee Valley Regional Park This #LoveParksWeek, we have plenty on offer in Lee Valley Regional Park to help you make the most of the best season to be outdoors. Jul 23 Upcoming events Mind in West Essex: Walk & Talk at Waltham Abbey Gardens Date: 3 September Time: 10:00 Waltham Abbey Gardens See more > Our Parks - Multi Games Sport Date: 3 September Time: 10:30 Walthamstow Marshes See more > Conservation volunteer task Date: 3 September Time: 10:00 - 15:00 Waltham Abbey Gardens See more >

Grade 1 listed mill dating back to the Dooms Day book turned film studios with a open space and Wild Kingdom play area so the kids can let their imagination free. Three Mills Island and Green Three Mills Green & Three Mills Island, Three Mill Lane, London E3 3DU Never sleeps, open 24 hours a day For The House Mill opening times please check their website here In the south of Lee Valley Regional Park park you will find these two historical landmarks. Contact us info@leevalleypark.org.uk 03000 030 610 Check the latest visitor information > Facilities About Things to see and do Plan your visit What 3 Words ///wounds.pets.acting How to get here You can plan your journey to the site using Google maps – click on the site in the map to discover more. We’re within London’s Ultra Low Emissions Zone. Find out more about ULEZ > Walking, running and cycling routes The Lee Valley Walk starts at East India Dock and passes up the side of Bow Creek, before continuing to Three Mills, the next most southern site, and then continues up through the Lee Valley. Things nearby The Line Explore the city with this artwork trail See more > Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park A hub of culture, art, sport and nature in Stratford, east London See more > Bow Creek Ecology Park Escape the city on this little green island, just a short walk from Canning Town station See more > East India Dock Basin The furthest southern point in the park where you can enjoy views over the Thames to The O2 See more > Three Mills Green There have been mills here since Saxon times, so it’s fitting that the world’s largest surviving tidal mill is at Three Mills Island. The 18th century House Mill is Grade I listed and you can join a guided tour on Sundays, or at other times by appointment. You’ll also find the Grade II listed Clock Mill, which is now part of 3 Mills Studios, and the reconstructed Miller’s House. Soak up the wonderful green spaces and catch up with some friends for a cup of coffee from the café. The little ones will have loads to explore in the Wild Kingdom with its carefully placed fallen trees, nets, ropes and giant tree stumps that will let their imaginations roam free. You can also see some wonderful art in and around Three Mills Green, thanks to The Line , London’s first dedicated public art walk which follows the Greenwich Meridian from The O2 to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. The Line includes works by Madge Gill and Thomas J Price and it s a great way to explore. The House Mill The House Mill is a Grade I listed building packed full of history. You can find out more about the history of The House Mill here and plan a visit here . Take a read of our blog Love Autumn Summer might be over but exploring the park isn't. Read about all the exciting thing to see and do this autumn. 2 days ago Spotlight on autumn wildlife The autumn flora and fauna highlights in Lee Valley Regional Park. 2 days ago 5 Reasons to Love Lee Valley Regional Park This #LoveParksWeek, we have plenty on offer in Lee Valley Regional Park to help you make the most of the best season to be outdoors. Jul 23 Upcoming events Mind in West Essex: Walk & Talk at Waltham Abbey Gardens Date: 3 September Time: 10:00 Waltham Abbey Gardens See more > Our Parks - Multi Games Sport Date: 3 September Time: 10:30 Walthamstow Marshes See more > Conservation volunteer task Date: 3 September Time: 10:00 - 15:00 Waltham Abbey Gardens See more >

The park is for everyone to enjoy fro our visitors to dog walkers and of course the wildlife. You can read the Countryside Code we follow and how to make the most of the park. The Countryside Code in the Lee Valley Like in most open spaces and national parks, we follow the Countryside Code. When visiting the park please Respect, Protect and Enjoy Check the latest visitor information > Respect everyone be considerate to those living in, working in and enjoying the countryside leave gates and property as you find them do not block access to gateways or driveways when parking be nice, say hello, share the space follow local signs and keep to marked paths unless wider access is available Protect the natural environment Take your litter home - leave no trace of your visit Do not light fires or barbecues Do not enter any of our waterbodies - see more water safety advice here Always keep dogs under control and in sight - see more doggy advice here Dog poo - bag it and bin it Care for nature - do not cause damage or disturbance Enjoy the outdoors Check your route and local signage Only swim in lifeguarded venues - you can see a list here Plan your adventure - know what to expect and what you can do Enjoy your visit, have fun, make a memory! Be a responsible dog owner The park is a great place to exercise your dog but please be considerate of other users – that includes the wildlife! Always keep dogs under close control and in sight, so they don’t disturb wildlife. Birds are particularly vulnerable to disturbance when nesting or in prolonged periods of cold weather. Be confident that if you take them off the lead you can recall them if needed. There are some areas where dogs do need to be kept on a lead at all times, these will be clearly signposted. Be cautious around open water due to the dangers it could hold. Read more here. Give cattle plenty of space. Your dog should be on a short lead when passing them. Give horse riders plenty of space. Place your dog on a short lead and listen for instructions from the rider. Please read signage and abide by any restrictions displayed. Nobody likes stepping in dog poo, as well as being unpleasant it can carry diseases to people, wildlife and livestock. Please pick up after your dogs and either dispose of your dog’s poo at home or use one of our many red dog bins. Please respect the needs of other visitors. Many dogs are loveable and playful but other visitors may feel frightened, ambushed or uncomfortable. Please be respectful towards our park staff and of their requests. Thank you for respecting, protecting and enjoying the park. You can read more about the Countryside Code here Doggy days out Take a trip away from your usual walk with our suggestions below: Perfect park days for dogs! Blog post Get some inspiration for new days out with your four legged friends. Read the blog post > The Artway Route 1 Walking route Explore the different sculptures along this 5.5 mile walking route. See the route > Tottenham Marshes Open space Let your pooches discover a new walk at the marshes. Plan a visit > Take a read of our blog Love Autumn Summer might be over but exploring the park isn't. Read about all the exciting thing to see and do this autumn. 2 days ago Spotlight on autumn wildlife The autumn flora and fauna highlights in Lee Valley Regional Park. 2 days ago 5 Reasons to Love Lee Valley Regional Park This #LoveParksWeek, we have plenty on offer in Lee Valley Regional Park to help you make the most of the best season to be outdoors. Jul 23 Upcoming events Mind in West Essex: Walk & Talk at Waltham Abbey Gardens Date: 3 September Time: 10:00 Waltham Abbey Gardens See more > Our Parks - Multi Games Sport Date: 3 September Time: 10:30 Walthamstow Marshes See more > Conservation volunteer task Date: 3 September Time: 10:00 - 15:00 Waltham Abbey Gardens See more >

The autumn season is here! There's some amazing things to see and do this season from seeing the golden colours appearing, the over wintering wildlife and making the most of the evenings before the nights draw in. Check out all that's on offer below. Staying active this autumn We need only look at the nature around us to remember that autumn is a season of change but that doesn’t mean giving up on your health and wellbeing goals. Whether you’re looking to build on positive habits or take the first step towards a healthier you, our Get Active programme  has something for everyone from accessible walks to bike riding,  group exercise sessions and much more! Top autumn walks Pull on your wellies, wrap up warm and head out to explore the wonders of autumn in our glorious open spaces. We’ve pulled together our top three walks with crunchy leaves, bursts of autumn colour and plenty of wildlife along the way. Great for migrating birds – Lakes of the River Lee . At 7.5 miles this circular route covers plenty of ground. Autumn is a key time for migrating birds  and there’s plenty of opportunity to spot them as you pass the stunning lakes dotted throughout the 1,000 acre River Lee Country Park . With wooded areas galore your path will be lined with dazzling displays of gold and crimson leaves.   Welly walk for little ones – Planes and Trains . This 1 mile circular route around Walthamstow and Leyton Marshes has plenty to look at along the way and is accessed adjacent to our new twin Olympic rink Lee Valley Ice Centre . Look out for planes, trains and signs of the changing season among the meadows.   No wellies needed –   Three Hidden Gems . Check out this linear 2.5 mile route which follows surfaced pathways and takes in three hidden wonders steeped with history and wildlife. First stop is Bow Creek Ecology Park , a former industrial site which has been reclaimed by nature. Next you’ll come to Trinity Buoy Wharf , home to London’s only lighthouse. Finally you’ll double back to East India Dock Basin  where you’ll enjoy views over the Thames to The O2 and a wide range of birdlife which resides in this urban wildlife sanctuary. Autumn exploring for families Step away from the screens and into nature. There’s so much to see throughout the park this season, check out our top flora and fauna highlights Reconnect with nature Come and visit our state of the art Wildlife Discovery Centre  in River Lee Country Park. Head to the discovery room to learn about the habitats and species around you as well as the birds that visit the park. Kids will enjoy playing the migration game, drawing some of the wildlife they’ve spotted and completing the autumn activity sheets. Why not finish by climbing our tower and taking in the amazing view over Seventy Acres Lake.   Dates for your diary… Enjoy the thrill of live sports Our world class London 2012 Olympic legacy venues have hosted a whopping 38 major international events since the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Be inspired by the world’s best this autumn: London 3 Day 📅 31 October – 2 November, Lee Valley VeloPark An electrifying weekend of world class cycling at Lee Valley VeloPark. After a successful return last year, London 3 Day promises another unforgettable spectacle. Over three action-packed days, you’ll witness some of the world’s top cycling talent champions go head-to-head in sprints, chases, and high-speed showdowns. Whether you’re a lifelong cycling enthusiast or looking for an unforgettable family day, London 3 Day’s schedule delivers something for everyone. British Open 📅 Sunday 26 October, Lee Valley White Water Centre Save the date for this action-packed weekend at the iconic London 2012 venue, where you’ll witness both canoe slalom and the thrilling new kayak cross event. More details coming soon Conservation walk and talks Discover Bats, Moths and More 📅Friday 5 September, 19:00 - 21:30, Wildlife Discovery Centre, Fishers Green An evening dedicated to bats, moths and fellow wildlife which come to life after dusk, when most of the park’s visitors have left. Held at the Wildlife Discovery Centre, where a warm drink awaits and the hide offers the perfect vantage point for these elusive nighttime creatures. The evening will be packed with interesting facts, displays, activities to try and expert guidance before heading out into this hotspot for bats armed with bat detectors. All of this for just £3.50 per person!   Water Voles and Wetlands 📅 Sunday 14 September, 10:00 - 12:00, Silvermeade Water Voles were once common across Britain but have undergone serious decline throughout the last century, due largely to the loss and degradation of their wetland habitats and the spread of the American Mink. Here in the Lee Valley we still have good populations and this walk will take a tour of one of their strongholds at Silvermeade where you can learn more about these charismatic little mammals and the work that is being carried out to protect them and their habitats. We will search for their telltale signs along the network of ditches and if we're lucky we might even see one, or at least hear the 'plop' when they see us first! Just £3.50 per person. A cosy autumn stay After a day of exploring why not retreat to one of our warm, insulated camping pods for an adventure in the great outdoors with a little more comfort. Alternatively you can go for all out glamping with our holiday lodges – some with hot tubs – and holiday cottages. We have a whole host of accommodation options across our four campsites in London, Essex and Hertfordshire with something for everyone.  Start planning your autumn break here . Learning outside the classroom We offer a wide range of engaging curriculum based outdoor learning opportunities across the diverse 26 mile Lee Valley Regional Park where young people and groups can try different activities, develop new skills, be inspired and have fun! Autumn offer: 20% off programmes in Lee Valley Regional Park You can take learning outside the classroom for less with our special offer. When you book a programme between 1 November 2025 and 28 February 2026, you'll get 20% off your booking. Use code: WINTER25 to redeem.

As summer slips away and we head into the cooler and colourful autumn months the parks flora and fauna once again changes - read on to find our more about the park's autumn highlights. Autumn migration  Autumn is a time of movement for many of our bird species. As summer draws to a close our summer migrants begin their journey back to warmer wintering grounds and our first overwintering birds start to arrive. Keep an eye on our Wildlife Sightings page for the seasonal highlights. Sites with insect-rich muddy margins, so tempting for wading birds, such as Cornmill Meadows, Amwell Nature Reserve , WaterWorks Centre nature reserve and Hall Marsh Scrape are always worth a speculative visit.     By late September, Redwing arrive from their Scandinavian breeding grounds. The distinctive red patches along their flanks and underwings make them stand out - especially when they’re feasting on berries or probing fields for worms. They’re often seen alongside Fieldfare, another charismatic winter thrush.  Flora and Fauna highlights Bittern   The Lee Valley is an important site for wintering Bittern, a secretive buff-brown member of the heron family. Bittern spend much of their time hidden in reedbeds where they feed on fish such as Rudd and Perch.     Bittern return to the valley from September onwards, one of the best places to see them is from the Wildlife Discovery Centre at Fishers Green in River Lee Country Park. Volunteers and staff are on hand to help you spot one – they are particularly well camouflaged amongst the golden-brown autumnal reeds.     Once extinct in the UK, concerted efforts from a number of conservation organisations has meant that numbers have now increased to over 283 booming males in 2025. ‘Booming’ is the name given to the call the male makes to attract a mate and mark its territory. While breeding hasn’t been recorded in the Lee Valley yet, the reedbeds are improving every year… so watch this space!    We will be hosting the annual Bittern Roost Watch event on 18 January 2026 where you can join us to find out more about these amazing birds and have a chance to see one roosting in the reeds.    Barn Owl   If you spot a pale, silent figure gliding over the grasslands at dusk, it’s probably a Barn Owl. With exceptional hearing and soundless flight, these graceful hunters seek out voles and mice in the twilight. Its Latin name is Tyto Alba – which is quite literally – white owl.     You may notice Barn Owl boxes that have been placed on trees and poles around the park. These boxes supplement natural roosting and nesting features, such as hollow trees and old barns, which are becoming more scarce. Each year a licenced bird ringer checks our boxes and rings any young, which are known as owlets and are initially white and fluffy before developing the distinctive heart shaped face. This helps us to learn more about the population in the park and their movements.     Water Vole   Over the summer Water Voles have maintained their territories and may have reared up to five litters. As the days grow shorter, breeding stops and the Water Voles start to prepare for winter. Autumn sees their focus turn to fattening themselves up for the winter months, storing energy for cold periods which they spend in torpor – these are periods of dormancy to conserve energy when food is scarce. They will also start to create food stores in their burrows that they can eat during the winter months.    In partnership with the Herts and Middlesex Water Vole and Invasive Species project, we undertake the second Key Sites Survey of the year on our important Water Vole sites Silvermeade and Cornmill Meadows. These provide a useful overview of how the Water Voles have fared throughout the breeding season.     If you would like to find out more about these charismatic animals why not book onto our Water Voles and Wetlands event on 14 September 2025 - see event detail >     Floating Pennywort   The invasive non-native plant, Floating Pennywort is native to the Americas and has become established in the waterways of the UK having rapidly spread from garden ponds. It grows at a prolific rate – up to 20cms in a day - creating dense mats, reducing sunlight and depleting oxygen, in turn killing native fish, invertebrates and plants.     There is a fantastic project in the River Lea Catchment to eradicate Floating Pennywort which has been pioneered in the River Stort by Whoosh Canoes. The project is lead by Paddle UK, The Angling Trust and supported by partners including local paddle clubs, statutory bodies and other agencies, utility companies and many volunteers. They organise tasks where Floating Pennywort is removed from the river by canoeists and paddle boarders supported by volunteers on the bank.  All fragments of the plant need to be removed as it can quickly recolonise from just a small fragment. Autumn is a good time to clear areas as waterbirds will have stopped nesting.        Habitats and their management    Reedbed management   Reedbeds are a hugely important habitat in the Lee Valley and are home to a wide range of species including reedbed specialists like Bittern and Reed Bunting. If left unmanaged they would eventually turn to woodland. During the autumn months management of reedbeds can start to take place as the nesting season has finished. Willow scrub that has started to establish is removed and in some areas swathes of reedbed will be cut and removed to encourage new fresh growth and prevent the development of a deep layer of leaf litter. The reedbed in front of the Wildlife Discovery Centre has channels cut in each year, this creates fantastic edge habitat for Bittern to feed with the added bonus that it helps them be seen by visitors too!  Ditch management    Ditches need regular management otherwise they become clogged with vegetation and eventually may dry up. After the breeding season management can take place, the Rangers are careful to programme work sensitively, working on areas in rotation so that habitat is always retained on site for wildlife to use. By maintaining a balance of open water and emergent vegetation, ditches provide excellent habitat for species such as Water Voles, dragonflies and Grass Snake.      Surveys  Wetland Bird Survey    The Wetland Bird Survey or WeBS as it is known is a long-running national survey organised by the BTO, undertaken monthly to monitor waterbird populations in the UK. Counts are undertaken on the majority of waterbodies found the Lee Valley, where volunteers note every wetland bird they see, providing invaluable data to assist with our management. The counts can take place all year, but the core dates are from September to March.  Upcoming planned events Throughout the year the park runs special wildlife themed events. Up coming events include Discover Bats, Moths and More - 5 September Water Voles and Wetlands – 14 September 2025 Bittern Roost Watch – 18 January 2026 Know the latest If you want to be kept up to date with our events or wildlife sign why not sign up to our enewsletters. We have specific enewsletters so you only get sent information of interest to you. Find out more and sign up today >

What better signal that summer has arrived than a picnic in a park, an afternoon of outdoor theatre or a school holiday wildlife spotting expedition?   Lee Valley Regional Park has got you covered for all the above and more.   Jump to the section best for you! National Picnic Month Get Active in the Lee Valley East London Festival of Nature School's Out for Summer Try something new Community group funding National Picnic Month   Whether you want wide open spaces, a spot by the water, the backdrop of a historic site or a feast with a view, we’ve got some lovely locations in Lee Valley Regional Park to roll out your blankets and enjoy a picnic in the great outdoors.   If you missed National Picnic Week in June, fear not, July sees the start of a whole month when people are encouraged to embrace the picnic tradition - National Picnic Month!   Lee Valley Regional Park has 10,000 acres of open spaces to explore – here are our Top 15 locations   to stop for a picnic this July…. and August.     Share your favourite picnic spot in the park with us on social media. Post a picture and tell us why you love it. Use #LeeValleyPicnics. We can’t wait to hear about your top spots for al fresco dining.   Our volunteer Caroline Leonard, shared her favourite place for a picnic in the park.   “This hidden gem is tucked in the north of River Lee Country Park in Nazeing . The first field is a lovely spacious area with picnic tables shaded by oak trees   Following the path into the next field, there is a large lake with numerous waterfowl living on it. There are benches to sit and admire the view and nearby is another picnic area. Many birds nest at Clayton Hill and the uncut meadow areas are a fantastic place to spot a variety of butterflies, moths, dragonflies, damselflies and many other insects. Clayton Hill is a wonderful place to walk, play games, picnic and enjoy the wildlife.”       Clayton Hill Park, River Lee Country Park, Nazeing, Essex Get Active in Lee Valley   Love Parks Week (26 July-4 August) is the perfect opportunity to indulge the senses and try something new. Our Get Active  programme of free and low-cost activities is tailored to those adults who are inactive or need support for physical and mental wellbeing. The programme is rolling out over the summer and has something for everyone – whether your priority is gentle exercise, health and wellbeing, social or sensory, you’ll find a session that’s right for you. Below is a taster of what’s on offer, but a list of opportunities is on our   Get Active in Lee Valley   page.   Lifewalks  – Free Guided walks of different lengths several times a week. Explore a new or much loved area of the park and stop for a coffee and a chat afterwards.   Cold water swimming  – Run by Mental Health Swims, these weekly wellbeing sessions are coming soon to the lake at Lee Valley White Water Centre, Waltham Cross. Run by trained volunteers, the sessions will refresh and rejuvenate participants in a supportive environment to aid mental wellbeing.   Nordic Walking  – great for mobility and general exercise, Nordic walking’s enhanced technique uses poles to work your upper body as well as your legs. Weekly in River Lee Country Park, Herts.   Cycling for Health  – A programme of weekly guided rides on traffic free routes at a sociable pace, designed for riders wishing to regain fitness and confidence in a friendly environment.  July start locations include Gunpowder Park, River Lee Country Park and Clayton Hill Park Visit the Cycling For Health  page for more info.                East London Festival of Nature This event has now passed, but there’s always more to explore! Want to discover upcoming nature events? Head over to our What’s On page and use the ‘nature’ filter to see what’s coming up. There’s still time to get involved in the grand finale of our 10 day East London Festival of Nature. Join our ranger team on Walthamstow Marshes on Saturday 5 July for a citizen science bioblitz  combined with fascinating walks and talks on birds, butterflies and grasses on the marshes. Volunteers helping with the bioblitz will visually record the plants and wildlife on this Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in one day. Event details are here .     School’s Out for Summer!   “So much to do and so little time….” said no parent ever at the start of the school summer holidays!   Come rain or shine, we have more activities in Lee Valley Regional Park to entertain the whole family than you can shake a poostick at this summer.   You’ll find our lists of great walking routes  and cycling routes  that can be tailored to suit your needs – whether it’s by distance, accessibility, routes near facilities or public transport or suitable for dogs too, you’re sure to find one that’s perfect for you.   No bike? No problem. Bike rental is available at various locations throughout the park and you’ll find a list of places you can hire bikes and helmets in our June cycling blog   Treasure hunting   If you’re children love to be immersed in nature, we’ve got 26 miles of parkland where they can look for lost treasures.   Every year hundreds of children visit the park with their schools to learn whilst having fun. Here are some top recommendations from our Learning and Engagement team on activities to do with the kids this summer.   I spy with my little eye However you choose to explore Lee Valley Regional Park, there’s always something to see. Print out one of our I Spy sheets and see how many different species you and your little ones can spot.       Natural Art If they fancy getting creative, our activity sheet  has eight free and easy ideas to make something arty. From dreamcatchers and journey sticks to mud faces and fairy houses…. it’s amazing what you can make from fallen sticks, leaves and flowers on the ground when the imagination runs wild.   Sculpture Trails There’s an abundance of art in the north and south of the park to enjoy and to make it easy we have created sculpture trails for you to follow. Perfect for all ages and add intrigue and play stops to any walk. Pick one here     Self-Guided Orienteering No Google maps here! Help children learn this useful skill of finding their way from A to B with only a map and compass to guide them (and perhaps an adult). Pick your start and end points in the park and away you go .       Follow an Ostrich Pick up an Ossie pack at the Bowles Tea Rooms and let the little one’s hunt for unusual artefacts in Myddelton House Gardens, Enfield . But who is Ossie the Ostrich? They’ll find out on their search…….       Open Air Theatre   Last chance to book your tickets for the ever-popular open air theatre productions taking place in the park this summer.   Dot Productions return once again to Myddelton House Gardens in Enfield with a family favourite matinee performance of Robin Hood  on Saturday 26 July (This event has now passed) . After a quick costume change the cast are back in the evening to perform Jane Austen’s classic Sense and Sensibility (This event has now passed) . Later in the summer fans of Alice in Wonderland are in for a treat. This historic site will provide a fabulous backdrop for a special adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s timeless classic. Through the Looking Glass (and What Alice Fou nd There) performed by Quantum Theatre     At nearby Waltham Abbey Gardens, Essex, Quantum Theatre group will perform The Tale of Jemima Puddle-duck . You can see this classic tale with our tail feather friends in the background.     Try something new       This event has now passed, but there’s always more to explore! Want to discover upcoming sport events? Head over to our What’s On page and use the ‘sport’ filter to see what’s coming up. Save the date! We are privileged to have some of the world’s best sport and leisure venues in Lee Valley Regional Park so why not kickstart your summer over the weekend of 19-20 July with free access to our venues where you can take part in fitness classes, yoga or gym sessions for free.   And for no more than £1 try: * kayaking  at Lee Valley White Water Centre * cycling experience  at Lee Valley VeloPark ice skating  at Lee Valley Ice Centre ( £3 skate hire fee applies) * pony experiences  at Lee Valley Riding Centre * fitness classes  at Lee Valley Athletics Centre * tennis and pickleball  at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre   Start summer with a new or memorable experience at a Lee Valley venue.             Community group funding   To help make the park accessible to everyone, community and wellbeing groups in London, Essex and Hertfordshire can apply for our Community Access and Grant Funding, which help pay for coaching, venue hire or travel. We provide experiences that help people be more active, support health and wellbeing and opportunities for underserved communities to try new activities.   If you’re part of a community or wellbeing support group – for example a scout group, school, support young carers or wellbeing through the NHS – our funding support could help create memories that last a lifetime. Find out more about our funding opportunities here