< Back to list 1. Introduction from Brigadier Andrew Parker Bowles and Stable Block 1. Introduction from Brigadier Andrew Parker Bowles and Stable Block Artist Name 00:00 / 03:38 "Hello, I am Brigadier Andrew Parker Bowles. I would like to welcome you to Myddelton House and the gardens created by my great, great uncle, E.A. Bowles. Even in his lifetime this was recognised as one of the country’s most important gardens - for its interesting and exotic plants, and because of my great great-uncle’s passionate dedication to horticulture. People came from across the country and beyond to visit and admire the plants that grew here. On his death in 1954 he was described the greatest gardener of the first half of the 20th century. He liked to share his knowledge and discoveries and over 50 bulbs, flowers and shrubs were named after him. – He was a member of the Royal Horticultural Society, and served as its vice-president for over 25 years. He wrote a number of books about the garden. These give a vivid account of his thoughts and practises. But Myddelton House Gardens were not just important for people who already had an interest in plants. Bowles did a lot for the local community and for local children, whom he encouraged to come and help him working in the gardens. After EA Bowles died, and the house was sold, the gardens fell into a state of disrepair. Today they are being restored to their former glory, thanks to the hard work and enthusiasm of the E. A. Bowles of Myddelton House Society, the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority- the owners of the gardens, a team of gardeners, and with help from Heritage Lottery Funding. Once again, this is a place where people can come to research and learn, to see an important collection of plants, and to wander round in beautiful surroundings. I do hope you enjoy your visit to this unique garden" Narrator : The Visitors’ Centre was one of two of Myddelton’s Carriage Houses - where the estate’s horse-drawn carriages were kept. – Inside, you can still see some of the building’s original flagstone and herringbone flooring, and the running boards that stopped the carriage wheel hubs from damaging the wall. The Carriage House was just one of the buildings that formed the Stable Block. It was built at around the same time as the main house, in the early 19thcentury. The horses were kept here – in stalls to the left of the Carriage House. A harness room, feeders, troughs, and a hay-loft were all located here, behind the central arch. When Bowles first got a car, in the mid 1930s, the carriages were sold and the horses were put out to pasture in the fields behind. The clock over the central doorway dates from 1826. Every quarter of an hour it lets out a distinctive chime. For many years this was the sound that helped to regulate the lives of the people who worked here. It reminded them when they could take a break, when they had to get back to their duties, and when their day’s work was done. But this was no ordinary clock. The firm that made it - Thwaites and Reed - also made clocks for Westminster Abbey, Ely Cathedral, and the Horse Guards Parade. The clock was renovated and put back in working order in the mid 1990s. Every eight days someone has to climb up the clocktower stairs to wind it up by hand. You might like to listen out for its chime as you wander through the gardens. < Last page Next page >

< Back Habitats Venue: Waltham Abbey Gardens Available: April – October Key subject: Science Suitable for: KS1 and KS2 Prices > Our health and safety commitment > Contact us Teachers guide Essential information before your visit > Students explore the microhabitats of both terrestrial and aquatic minibeasts in their local environment using specialist equipment. Session covers: scientific enquiry, needs to survive, classification, adaptation, food chains, lifecycles, microhabitats, collecting samples and recording data

< Back to What's On Bittern Roost Watch Join us to find out about these amazing birds and watch for any coming to roost at the Wildlife Discovery Centre. Date: 17 January Time: 15:15 FREE Fishers Green Location: Join us to find out about these amazing birds and watch for any coming to roost at the Wildlife Discovery Centre. Bittern were once extinct in the UK but are now thriving thanks to conservation efforts in wetlands across the country. Join Lee Valley Regional Park’s Conservation Team to find out more about our ongoing works for these incredible birds and other wetland wildlife, with a short talk overlooking the lake. We'll then head to the Wildlife Discovery Centre to settle in with a warm drink to see what’s around on the lake as the light starts to fade. With luck this will include one of our overwintering Bittern as they come to roost in the small reedbed in front of the hide. Essential info: The meeting point for this walk will be Fishers Green car park This event is free but parking charges apply. See more here. This event may be cancelled in extreme weather. Please check the event listing before leaving home Please make sure you wrap up warm The walk from the car park to the hide is approximately 200m on flat ground We recommend that you bring a torch as it will be dark when we leave We would encourage you to bring a reusable cup for drinks if you have one Previous Next

< Back to What's On Wonderful Wildlife Weekends at Walthamstow Wetlands Drop in for free, fun, family nature activities at Walthamstow Wetlands. Date: 8 November Time: 13:00 - 15:00 FREE event, but donations are welcome Walthamstow Wetlands Location: See more > Join us to explore our pond and surrounding areas to discover the wildlife that lives at Walthamstow Wetlands. Toads, tadpoles, woodlice and worms are just a selection of the animals that you might discover here! Activities will include using nets to look at animals found in the pond and looking under logs to see what minibeasts we can find. Meet at our outdoor classroom, beside the Engine House. This session will be led by Dhush (he/him) or another member of our Learning & Engagement Team. Sessions are aimed at children of all ages and parents/carers together. All children must be accompanied throughout the session by a responsible adult. No need to book, just drop in on the day. No equipment needed. Dress suitably for the weather. This is a free event, but donations are welcome. All profits are invested into London Wildlife Trust’s conservation and education work and the care of its nature reserves. Previous Next

Grebes and Gravel Distance: 2 miles Terrain: all surfaced pathways and several bridges Starting point: Lee Valley White Water Centre, Station Road, Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire EN9 Download route narrative > At at glance information for this route Dog friendly Parking available Public transport closeby Refreshments available Route - running Route - walking Toilets available A circular wildlife and wildflower route exploring Bowyers Water and its natural inhabitants. Directions Follow the pathway north out of Lee Valley White Water Centre’s back gate Take the left hand path, bearing around the steep bridge incline Proceed along the surfaced path, across the wooden bridge over the Small River Lee and continue west, bearing to the left at the pathway junction Proceed along Trinity Lane, turning to the right just before the railway line Continue north and pass through the kissing gate Follow the pathway north, keeping the railway on the left, passing Bowyers Water on the right Cross a narrow wooden bridge and continue, passing a bat hibernaculum on the right Proceed over another wooden bridge and turn right to follow the surfaced path around the north of the lake At the next junction, follow the right hand path, passing the entrance to Bowyers Orchid Meadow Turn right and continue south alongside the edge of Bowyers Water on the right At the junction at the end of the lake bear left, heading south and then bear left at the next fork, heading in an east direction Follow the pathway towards the river, bearing to the right around the steep climb to the bridge and continue to the car park along the pathway Toilets Lee Valley White Water Centre Refreshments Lee Valley White Water Centre Things to note Public transport links: The closest station is Waltham Cross Buses stop outside Lee Valley White Water Centre Car parking charges apply at Lee Valley White Water Centre car park Previous Next

< Back to list 8. New River Lawn 8. New River Lawn Artist Name 00:00 / 01:38 Narrator: This is the part of the garden that has changed the most since Bowles’s time. Then the main feature was the river, as it curved round, passing under the two bridges. As you looked towards the Tulip Terrace, the river was flanked on the left by a narrow grass verge. It was here that Bowles planted his main collection of irises. MUSIC: (Reprise) Hide & Seek Rag (McConnell - ATV 8B 43) FADE IN AND UNDER To the left of the Wisteria Bridge are three old yew trees. They would have looked more striking in Bowles’ day than they do now. One of the winter jobs he assigned to the Bowles Boys was to peel off any loose bark and scrub the trunks until they glowed a rich crimson. Peter Deering remembers it well. MUSIC: FADE UP FOR A MOMENT THEN UNDER THE FOLLOWING AND FADE OUT ON LAST PIECE OF SYNCH Peter Deering: ,… the drill was to get a bucket of water and scrubbing brushes and you would just scrub and scrub it away and it would just flake off and scrub it clean all shiny bright. It was really great fun. … Narrator: This would have added a dash of colour to the garden in wintertime. It was an idea Bowles got from a visit to Glasnevin Botanic Gardens in Ireland. A Poncirus , or hardy orange, grows opposite the Tulip Terrace. In Bowles’ time it was a rarity. He was given it as a seed from Canon Ellacombe, one of his first gardening mentors. It was Ellacombe who encouraged Bowles to join the Royal Horticultural Society, which played such an important part in his life in later years. < Last page Next page >

Honorary Warden for Silvermeade Department: Location: Working with: Time: Rangers service Silvermeade, Mill Lane, Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, EN10 Ranger Team North Flexible, no minimum time commitment Purpose Help promote the park and provide information to the public, ensuring visitors safe use and enjoyment of the park. As part of a team of volunteers, you will be the Regional Park's eyes and ears. Details of role To assist with patrol, monitoring and management of wildlife habitats and species consistent with the park’s Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP). To assist the ranger serivce with monitoring and managing the safety and integrity of the Park’s natural and built areas. To report to rangers any issues, defects or problems, issues with locking/unlocking of park facilities and issues associated with infrastructure maintenance, security and safety. To inform the ranger service or Senior Responsible Officer of any on-site emergencies, including breaking of Park Byelaws. To act as on-site wardens and ambassadors providing general on-site assistance to park users. To assist with liaison with local community user groups and consultation initiatives. Personal attributes Should be of an active nature. Should have a friendly and approachable manner. Should have a good knowledge of the park. Have a basic knowledge of flora and fauna. Knowledge and experience of conservation management is helpful, but not necessary. What's in it for you An opportunity to gain experience of ranger work. An opportunity to develop knowledge about birds and wildlife. An opportunity to keep fit, healthy and active. General To carry out tasks in line with the Authority’s policies and procedures including: The Authority’s Health and Safety Policy The Authority’s Volunteer Policy Volunteer induction pack rules and regulations Undertake induction, training, and development consistent with your role. See more >

< Back Group Exercise Sessions Chair Based Circuits Class Mondays 9:15 – 10:00 Cost: FREE Chair Based Exercise Sessions: These are primarily aimed at: Older Adults: Especially those who are frailer or in residential care, to help maintain independence and prevent falls. People with Limited Mobility: Individuals who have difficulty standing for long periods or those who use a wheelchair. Individuals Recovering from Injury or Surgery: It provides a “graded approach” to slowly rebuild strength and movement tolerance without overexertion. People with Long-term Health Conditions: Specifically, those managing conditions like arthritis , multiple sclerosis , Parkinson’s , or chronic pain. Beginners or Inactive Individuals: Those who haven’t exercised in a long time and want a gentle, low-impact way to start Strength & Mobility Exercise Mondays 10:30 – 11:15 Cost: FREE This session features more standing movements and floor/ mat work for participants who are able but also incorporates a chair for stability during standing exercises. These sessions create an inclusive environment for individuals seeking to become more physically active. They are designed to enhance strength and mobility, improve circulation, and support overall wellbeing, particularly for older adults or those with lower fitness levels. To reserve a spot on either course, please click here . Previous Next

< Back Volunteering Lee Valley Regional Park Authority has a fantastic band of supporters who get involved in activities at a range of venues and open spaces within the park. We offer a range of volunteering opportunities whether you're looking for something in the outdoors working alongside the natural environment, working with animals or supporting coaching and events within our venues and open spaces. Click here to find out about our volunteering opportunities. Previous Next

< Back Orienteering KS3/4 Venues: Lee Valley White Water Centre Available: all year Key subjects: Geography, PE, Team Building Suitable for: KS3, KS4, Post 16 Prices > Our health and safety commitment > Contact us Teachers guide Essential information before your visit > Students will take part in this classic teambuilding activity. Using maps and compasses, groups will work together to navigate around the Park to compete in our orienteering competition. Session covers : geographical skills including map and compass skills, teambuilding and physical education

< Back to What's On Chair Based Exercise – Lee Valley White Water Centre These sessions create an inclusive environment for individuals seeking to become more physically active. Date: 28 December Time: 09:15 FREE Lee Valley White Water Centre Location: Book your space > Chair Based Exercise Sessions: These are primarily aimed at: Older Adults: Especially those who are frailer or in residential care, to help maintain independence and prevent falls. People with Limited Mobility: Individuals who have difficulty standing for long periods or those who use a wheelchair. Individuals Recovering from Injury or Surgery: It provides a “graded approach” to slowly rebuild strength and movement tolerance without overexertion. People with Long-term Health Conditions: Specifically, those managing conditions like arthritis, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, or chronic pain. Beginners or Inactive Individuals: Those who haven’t exercised in a long time and want a gentle, low-impact way to start Previous Next

< Back to What's On Lifewalk - Lee Valley Ice Centre Join our team for these great walks to improve you health and wellbeing Date: 23 December Time: 11:00 FREE Lee Valley Ice Centre Location: Email the team > Routes range from 1.5 miles to 3 miles in length. Each walk includes a designated front and back leader, enabling participants to walk at their preferred pace. While we encourage a pace that is slightly brisker than your usual walking speed, participants are welcome to proceed at their comfort level. These walks are social and support a healthy, active lifestyle. Cost: FREE On the day: a register will be taken at the start of each walk. Please arrive a few minutes early to ensure no delays. Parking at Lee Valley Ice Centre is free and you’ll need to input your car registration upon arrival. Please check our website for all other open space To sign up and receive the monthly schedule please email activation@leevalleypark.org.uk Previous Next