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Throughout the year a range of works are undertaken to manage the great diverse and important habitats within the park. Discover the type of works that will be done this spring. Habitat management works being done As we come out of the cold winter months there’s a raft of work that our Ranger and Biodiversity teams look to undertake – this is on top of their day-to-day management of the wonderful park. Some projects over the coming months are: Animals grazing our environmentally sensitive sites – we use these natural lawnmowers to great effect in many areas of the park. The cattle, which are from the park’s own farm, can be seen at Walthamstow Marshes , WaterWorks Centre nature reserve , Cornmill Meadows , Glen Faba as well as at Ryegate Farm. Old English Goats are used on Cheshunt Marsh as they’re great managers of the harshe r scrubland  habitats. Read more about Old English Goats > Common Tern rafts can be seen on Seventy Acres in River Lee Country Park at Fishers Green. Common Tern return to the valley from west Africa each summer to breed. Larger numbers are found nesting on shingle along the coast however they have also moved to inland waters such as the Lee Valley and nest on artificial rafts designed to mimic the coastal habitats. In spring we’ll prepare the rafts for their arrival   Wildlife monitoring – surveys Throughout the year a team of people, from our Ranger and Biodiversity teams, volunteer and partner organizations undertake a programme of surveys which allows us to monitor what’s going on in the park. The following survey will be happening over the coming months: Owl box checks – we have installed a number of owls boxes around the park. In spring we’ll check them all in readiness for the breeding season. The checks are carried out under a special licence to ensure that disturbance is minimised Orchid surveys take place  in late spring on Bowyers Water and Rammey Marsh to monitor their numbers, there are six species recorded at Bowyers orchid area, including the Early Marsh Orchid which is one of the Lee Valley Biodiversity Action Plan Priority Species Each year we take part in the national Heronries census organised by the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO). Volunteers visit sites up to three times a year – in March, April and May – to look for and to count Heron nests.  They also note if Little Egrets or Cormorants are nesting.  This data is fed back to the BTO, in 2024 there are over 9500 Grey Heron nests recorded in the UK. Where possible the chicks are ringed by a licensed bird ringer.  This involves putting a numbered ring around their leg so they can be easily identified in the future – this helps the ongoing monitoring Water Vole   surveys are undertaken in key locations along the rivers, ditches and lake edges within the park, we look for signs of Water Vole including their feeding remains, burrows and even their poo! As a species under serious threat from predators such as American Mink as well as habitat loss, the Water Vole is one of our Biodiversity Action Plan priority species Wading birds such as Lapwing, Redshank, Little Ringed Plover and Oystercatcher often attempt to breed in the park on wetland sites such as Amwell Nature Reserve , Cornmill Meadows and Ponders End Lake (Located on Lee Valley Golf Course) . You may see them probing the muddy margins of wetland scrapes to look for invertebrates. Our Rangers and volunteers monitor key sites to see if breeding attempts are made and if any chicks manage to successfully fledge There are nine species of bat recorded in the Lee Valley and regular   Bat surveys help us monitor how they're using our sites. All bats are protected by law and are highlighted as a priority in Biodiversity Action Plan Dragonfly surveys  are undertaken by our volunteers in areas such as Cornmill Meadows Dragonfly Sanctuary (a Site of Special Scientific Interest) where many of the UK native species of dragonfly have been recorded   Upcoming planned events Throughout the year the park runs special wildlife themed events. Up coming events include Water Voles and Wetlands - event has finished Bioblitz – summer Bee focused event – summer London Rivers Week – October Love the Lea - October Bittern Roost Watch – January 2026   The park will also be at the Global Bird Fair (11 – 13 July) held in Rutland.   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 >

As the park starts to awaken from it’s winter slumber and the spring shoots start to appear it’s the ideal time to start thinking about your Lee Valley adventures over the coming months. There are hundreds of days out for every visitor from the sporting fanatics looking for their next adrenalin rush to nature lovers wanting to soak in all the season has to offer – keep on reading and be inspired for your next day out  For nature Lee Valley Regional Park is renowned for habitats and its residents and as the fauna begins the emerge, the whole park wakes up! Somethings you might spot: Blossoms 🌸 – cherry, plum, hawthorn, apple – the list goes on! Great places to sport these are Waltham Abbey Gardens and WaterWorks nature reserve Song birds 🎶 – the sounds of song begins the fill the sky with calls from the Blackbird, Robin and if you’re lucky enough to hear the call of the Nightingale. Perfect places to sport them is Fishers Green, River Lee Country Park and Walthamstow Marshes Bugs and bees 🐝 – the park is an amazing magnet for bug life as bee crawl out of burrows and nymphs emerge from the water. Cornmill Meadows and Middlesex Filter Beds are great places to see these You can learn more about the wildlife in the park this spring! Read about the wildlife you might see here and learn about the great work we're doing for wildlife here . For sport After the hibernation of winter this is the perfect time to get more active. From upping your step count with regular walks, getting your muscles pumping with a workout or enjoying some of the great sporting activities on offer at our venues. Splashing into spring 🐦 – Lee Valley Regional Park is the home of watersports with lots of venues up and down the park offering safe experiences on water. From The Olympic standard rapids at Lee Valley White Water Centre to paddling at Herts Young Mariners Base and hopping aboard the Mega SUP at ESSA Water Activity Centre – plus rowing and sailing clubs too! Dust off those wheels 🚴‍♀️ – there’s miles of traffic free trails ideal to cycling or if you want to feel the thrill head to Lee Valley VeloPark where you can try your hand at track, BMX, MTB or road cycling Build up your fitness 💪 – whether you want to pump iron at a one of the high standard gyms or get a kick start on your fitness journey with a FREE Boot Camp with OurParks – there’s a level for everyone to join in on Soak up the remerging nature 🍃 – walking is a great way to boost your mental and physical wellbeing while getting moving. You can check out our wonderful open spaces , our walking routes or perhaps join in our LifeWalks , which you can take at your own pace Get your foam fingers are the ready 🏑 – the FIH Hockey Pro League is back at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre in June and you can get the mid week match for less. Use code PROLEAGUE10 for Wednesday 18 June match and you can get 10% off blue and white tickets. Book yours today   For discovery There’s so many different adventures where you can learn, explore and discover more about the Lee Valley. Wildlife Discovery Centre 🔍 – based at Fishers Green in River Lee Country Park, this state of the art centre is ideal for learning about the different habitats around you, look at views over Seventy Acre Lake and have a spot of wildlife watching in the hide Myddelton House Gardens 🌷 – at this time of year the garden truly shines, packed full of snowdrop, daffodils and soon we’ll see the appearance of Silla and the Bluebells will begin to take over Make a weekend of it ⛺ – with so many things to discover, why not stay for a short break? From touring, glamping and luxury lodges to an back to nature  almost wild campsite -  all be found at our four Lee Valley Campsites. Check out the different options and any special offers Looking for a new challenge 💚 – volunteering , free health walks, educational opportunities are all are your finger tips With all this and more on in the park, you’re set to have a cracking spring out in the park 🌸

And just like that another school holiday is with us and we’re all searching high and low for things to keep the kids busy. You can jump down to find activities perfect for your little ones Children aged up to 5 Children aged 6 - 11 Children 12+ Fun for everyone   Find wonder for the little ones up to 5 Spring Spectacular (5 – 11 April) and Easter of Oz (12 - 21 April) at Lee Valley Animal Adventure Park ℹ️ Your little ones will love getting to meet some of their favourite characters, see the farmyard animals and enjoy all the fun on the farm 🎟️ From £9.99 🧒 Everyone welcome Book now  > Meet the minis at Lee Valley Riding Centre ℹ️ You can get your little pony lovers up close and personal with their favourite animals and of course get some lovely photos together too 🎟️ £17.50 per person 🧒 Suitable for age 3+ Book now  >   Joe Banana's Easter Egg Trail and Party at   Lee Valley White Water Centre ℹ️ The kids will love this interactive and energic Easter Party with Joe Banana and even meet the Easter Bunny 🎟️ From £7 🧒 Suitable for age 4+ Book now  >   Explore Waltham Abbey Gardens ℹ️ This is a great open space with wide open spaces perfect for picnics and ball games with the little ones 🎟️ FREE to enter (parking charges apply) 🧒 Everyone welcome Plan a visit  >     Exploring for those aged 6 – 11 Lake activities at Lee Valley White Water Centre ℹ️ We’ve been lucky enough to have some early spring sunshine and that’s the perfect time to enjoy watersports 🎟️ From £17 🧒 Suitable for age 8+ Book now  >   BMX Thrills and MTB Skills at Lee Valley VeloPark ℹ️ Your cycling fan can try their hand at two different cycling disciplines and enjoy doing it at a world class venue too 📅 Tuesday 8 April, 11:00 - 15:00 🎟️ £29 per person, glove hire £4 🧒 Suitable for ages 7 – 11 years old Book now >   Tennis Easter Camp at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre ℹ️ Hone their tennis skills with a day packed full of training and of course fun match play with others 📅 Monday 7 - Friday 20 April, 10:00 - 13:00 🎟️ £27.50 per two hour session and includes all equipment 🧒 Suitable for ages 5 - 8 years old Book now  >   Star Track at Lee Valley Athletics Centre ℹ️ This great four day training camp will develop all their skills in a variety of track and field sports with a competition on the final day for them all to test their talents 📅 Monday 7 - Thursday 10 April and  Monday 14 - Thursday 17 April, 09:00 - 15:00 🎟️ From £25 per session 🧒 Suitable for ages 6 - 12 years old Book your spaces  >   Play I Spy at the Wildlife Discovery Centre ℹ️ Spring has sprung in the park and this is the perfect time to take a walk and see what you can spot with our I Spy Sheet 🎟️ FREE – download the sheet here 🧒 Fun for everyone Plan a visit  >   Big kid adventures for ages 12+ White Water Activities at Lee Valley White Water Centre ℹ️ You can take your pick from Hydrospeeding , Hot Dogs  or White Water Rafting  on the rapids 🎟️ From £50 per person 🧒 Suitable for ages 12+ Book today  >   Track Attack! at Lee Valley VeloPark ℹ️ Great session for those used to treading the boards of the track or newbies ready for their first ride 📅 Monday 7 April, 11:00 - 13:00 🎟️ £21.50 per person, glove hire £4 🧒 Suitable for ages 12 - 16 years old Book a space >   BMX Thrills and MTB Skills at Lee Valley VeloPark ℹ️ Perfect for older children this session will get their adrenalin pumping on the BMX and Mountain Biking trail 📅 Thursday 10 April, 11:00 - 15:00 🎟️ £29 per person, glove hire £4 🧒 Suitable for ages 12 - 16 years old Book a space  >   Explore Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park ℹ️ From enjoying the stunning blossoms on the London Blossom Garden  to biking round the cycle paths or even taking out a swan pedalo   🎟️ FREE to enter 🧒 Fun for everyone Plan a visit  >   Fun for all the family Ice skating at Lee Valley Ice Centre ℹ️ You can hit the ice as a family at Lee Valley Ice Centre, pick up something to eat and enjoy it on the lovely open spaces of the marshes 📅 Monday 7 - Sunday 20 April 🎟️ £10 for adults, £8 for children Book your tickets  >   Walking running  and cycling   ℹ️ Miles of traffic free trails make the park the perfect place to explore on during the brighter days. Here are some great routes and what they’re good for: Monks and Meadow  –  walking The Artway Route 3  – running Road to gold  – cycling 🎟️ FREE See all the routes  >   Take a look at all the park has to offer and plan your next adventure   Make sure you tag us in your post and you could be shared to our channel!   Facebook ,  Twitter , Threads  and Instagram

Lee Valley Regional Park is often the setting for TV dramas and entertainment shows, commercials, music videos, charity events, photo shoots and even blockbuster movie scenes! Still from Elmiene's music video for 'Open Light'   In 2024, 88 filming days took place in the Park – giving our open spaces and venues dozens of starring roles. Lila Moss for Burberry at Middlesex Filter Beds From fashion shoots for Burberry at Middlesex Filter Beds in Leyton to up and coming Universal Music’s artist Elmiene’s new music video shot on a misty dawn on Tottenham Marshes – the Park’s rich tapestry of settings offer a wide variety of backdrops and locations for the region’s growing production industry. Much of what was filmed in 2024 will hit screens this year so your favourite part of the park may be about to play a leading role in a new or much-loved drama, comedy, game show or Hollywood film. Did anyone spot Lee Valley Ice Centre featured in the opening episode of ITV1’s Dancing On Ice earlier this month?   No spoilers but next time you’re walking in the park, and something seems familiar but you’re not sure why…you may have seen it on the big or small screen or in a magazine!

It might be hard to see the return of spring with the dull cloud cover we've had recently but small signs have begun to peek through such as daffodils poking through the ground and the sound of songbirds calling in the distance - before you know it February half term will be here! Have a read of some of the great things you can do to get outside and active during the school break – be ready for spring when it makes its full appearance. Get closer to nature The Wildlife Discovery Centre at Fishers Green is where you can spot some beautiful winter wildlife like Bittern and Song Thrush plus all of our regular favourites – nothing beats a friendly Robin. They’ll be handing out ‘I spy’ sheets this half term so you can see how many you can spot! Pick up a racquet 🎾 Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre are putting on Racquet Sports sessions so your little sporting star can try their hands at both tennis and pickleball in a friendly environment. Reminding us of the spring to come It’s hard to think of the spring of the horizon with the recent weather we’ve had. Eventually the gloomy days will break and the floral stars of spring will be there in all their glory – check out the  snowdrops and daffodils. Myddelton House Gardens great place to explore  a spring daydream – there’s even a café there too. Pick up your steps at The Paddocks Our friend at The Paddocks at Ferry Lane in Tottenham, have a range of weekly activities form wildlife surveys, guided walks and volunteering tasks. During half term week you can join them for a bird and slug survey on Friday as well as a Folklore Walk on Saturday. All spaces are free and need to be booked in advance. Hop out of hibernation It can be hard to get out and about when the weather is not playing ball but here are some great walking routes all on lovely surfaced pathways so you don’t have to worry about getting too muddy: ·       Artwork walking routes   - we have three different routes varying in length ·        Road for Gold ·       Gunpowder Woodland Trail Cycling spring at Lee Valley VeloPark For little cycling fans or older thrill seekers there’s cycling session for every age and ability. Mini peddlers ·       Learn to Ride sessions ·       Balance Bike sessions ·       Pedal Up ·       Pedal Up Pump! Older kids cycling sessions ·       Track Attack! 12-16 ·       BMX Thrills and MTB Skills (ages 7 – 11) ·       BMX Thrills and MTB Skills (ages 12  - 16) Meet the mini ponies at Lee Valley Riding Centre Perfect for those little horse lovers (3+). They’ll get to enjoy grooming, plaiting hair and photo time with the miniature ponies. It's great for building kids’ confidence around horses and also for adults to have a great time too. Book your space today Spin into skating this spring There’s plenty of ice skating sessions to be had at Lee Valley Ice Centre over the half term and they're ideal for all ages and abilities to have some fun on the ice. The stars of Dancing on Ice will have nothing on you – show them who’s the real celebrity. Book your skating session Feeling inspired? Get those sessions booked in and have something to look forward to when the schools break up!

During Christmas and New Year it can be easy to stay cooped up at home; but this is the perfect time to explore the park around you. Lee Valley Regional Park offers a wide range of things to do that will keep you busy until 2025 rolls round. Explore new walking routes Nothing beats blowing away the cobwebs after you have finished all the Christmas cheese! We have some great routes in the park to suit all abilities. Here’s some suggestions: Artworks routes 1 , 2 and 3 - varying in different lengths these are great trails that will get your steps in during the holidays and keep the kids interested Golden Circle – On this walk that incorporates the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, you’ll pass many iconic legacies of the London 2012 games before heading into our internationally important open spaces in North London. Gunpowder Woodland Trail - it’s a great short walk, perfect for little legs, where you’ll explore the osier marsh on well maintained paths and boardwalks. Winter wildlife watching Believe it or not, the park is full of wildlife during the winter months! (We know we would prefer somewhere hotter too). The Wildlife Discovery Centre at Fishers Green in Waltham Abbey is the perfect place to spot our feathered and furred visitors. Enjoy views over Seventy Acre Lake from the top of the tower and learn about the wildlife that calls the park home in the Discovery Room or just enjoy a cuppa in the hide. This is the perfect spot to set off on your winter visit. Get your skates on Lee Valley Ice Centre has a range of festive skate sessions running over the Christmas break until 5 January. Make the most of that festive feeling and get yourself booked in for a session today. Join our active community The Twixmas break is the perfect time to start those New Year’s resolutions early and our Life Walks are the perfect starting point. These are regular walks around different areas of the park that you can take at your own pace. The walk leaders leave helpful markers so you know where to go and there are lots of chatty members that will keep you entertained on the way round. See the dates and locations of these walks here . Festive fairways Lee Valley Golf Course is open throughout the Christmas holidays (except 1 January) and nothing beats a catch up with friends on the greens. Book your session and check the course conditions here . We hope this has inspired you to step outside your front door during the Christmas break, and don’t forget there are thousands of great days out in the Lee Valley so start planning your 2025 trip today .

A lot has happened in the short time since I last put pen to paper. The world is a different place and so are the marshes. I was fortunate to spend a large chunk of this August in the Balkans in another set of marshlands. The setting for these marshes made me reflect on the nature of our site and the importance of it. These two places were the same but also the opposite of the other.  It’s given me a slightly altered perspective on what landscapes/habitats represent. We are managing these sites to make them like the best examples of their kind, but, what makes them this is how they interrelate with the environment around them, and that can be different all over the world. Its autumn/winter now and the machinations of summer are beginning to fade away. The depth of green is fading fast with the shortening days. Whatever (soggy) version of a summer we were treated to is over and the site is beginning to reflect a different side to it. One marginally less hospitable, but more open as a result. New sightlines are appearing and soon we’ll be expecting some visitors we’ve been missing for a little while now. I hope everyone found ways to enjoy the summer months and finds themselves heading towards the festive period a little more relaxed. Let me tell you what’s been going on.   Bovine blues  One question on everyone’s lips has been “Where are the cows this year?” There are a couple of things to mention here. Firstly, this was the year we knew we had to replace the fencing on the marsh. In order for this to take place we needed the ground to be dry and in case you had forgotten, this is England. Much of the marsh was still under water well into June and July which consequently delayed the fencing. On top of this, a bout of blue tongue (a nasty bacterial disease affecting livestock) reared its head and the transportation of livestock has been embargoed.  We will, therefore look to have the cattle on slightly earlier next year to make up for lost time. It’s a real shame as I know what joy the cattle bring to everyone who visit the marshes, however, we are at the mercy of the weather and as we’re all aware, extreme weather trends are only likely to increase as we continue fighting the climate crisis. Factoring this into our management is going to be crucial moving forward and something as an organization we are looking to build resilience on. Alas, the cattle won’t be here in 2024 but there will always be a place for them here on the marshes (Sorry cows!).     Volunteers  As ever the volunteers have been instrumental in maintaining and enhancing the site. All we do is under their knowing eyes and I can say it’s been a real joy getting to know a few new faces this year. I’ve littered the newsletter with some examples of the sorts of work they get up to. We have also had some really fantastic corporate groups this year who’ve more than pulled their weight. It’s an easy choice for me between the marshes and the 50th floor of the 'walkie-talkie', I daresay there might be a few corporate bods who have changed their mind since coming and working with us for a day.      Surveys? We’ve had a few.  Where we might be lacking a certain bovine feel this year, the one thing we are replete with is data. You simply cannot manage a space appropriately if you don’t know what is in it.  The upshot of that is that 2024 has been a year of surveying for us. Now for the technical bit! We’ve commissioned a Vegetative survey called the National Vegetation Classification (NVC) as well as an invertebrate survey and we’ve even had Natural England down to complete some condition assessments for areas of the site. Feast and famine are themes within conservation management. These peaks and troughs are observable in natural processes as well as financial inputs. So when the opportunity to have a good gorge on surveying arise then you better believe we’ll be stuffing our proverbial faces.  This data will provide us with mapping for all vegetation and invertebrates on the site. Furthermore we’ll be able to see trends and patterns of decline, look for potential mutualisms between species in relationship to the change in their population/distribution across the site. The NVC in particular will provide us with mapping on vegetative classifications across the site and how they interact and overlap. All of this provides us with a greater understanding of the effects of our work on these areas and whether the desired outcomes are being met. I’ll look to present this data in one form or another over the next few months so those of you with a keen eye for data will be able to have a good gander.   School Groups  In June and July we welcomed a number of school groups to the marshes where they carried out some fieldwork and preparation for their exams. We also had some primary students tour around some of our other local sites where they learned all about the different habitats within the Lee Valley, of which there are loads! These trips are so important for forging a connection between people and place and are definitely something we, the Ranger team, love getting involved in where possible.  Haystacks  It’s absolutely pouring today. When I think back to July, however, to our wonderful, energetic, baking hot Haystacks event I can feel my damp socks reheating. It was a fantastic event, made all the more brilliant thanks to the contributions of our mater scything instructor Ida and the organizer in Chief Kathrin. Well over 100 people participated over the course of the day learning about this traditional haymaking technique and consequently, we found ourselves with a mighty haystack at the end of the day. This was subsequently annihilated by the scores of kids who’d been desperate to jump in the second it began to take shape. Unabashed by streaming noses and puffy red eyes, nothing but total destruction was enough for the hordes of Hackney toddlers, watched on by parents with the right idea, a blanket and a glass of blush – oh go on, you’ve twisted my arm. A brilliant end to a brilliant day. Bring on Haystacks 2025!    Wintering the site  In late summer, sites across Lee Valley Regional Park have their meadows cut. Our meadows need to be cut at least once a year in order to retain the species of interest. The hay is cut and removed so as not to add any nutrients which would favour the faster growing plants. These would otherwise outcompete the more floristically interesting indicator species. It can appear quite a dramatic change, losing the height of the summer meadow sward. As we move into the depths of winter the process of wintering the site begins. There’s a focus on scrub removal and tree safety works. Making safe and secure that which otherwise might provide us with certain issues over the course of the year.  There was a liminal feel to the end of summer. Without the full throated expression of autumn colour, the site took on a bleached sort of tone. It’s a great breath before a new movement and the faded greens will be replaced by deep ochre, browns and reds. The colours of fireworks and the colours of change.   Bioblitz  We’re in the early stages of putting together a series of events for summer 2025 to celebrate our local spaces. Activities and guided walks, survey workshops and guest speakers. There are a host of community groups and organisations invested in the protection of local spaces for nature and people. We want to celebrate this so watch this space and keep your eyes peeled for news on this upcoming festival of nature.  Plans for the future  There are a million and one things I’d love to do on the site over the next few years but here is just a snippet of what we’ll be gearing towards over the coming months…  Bioblitz/Summer festival of nature  Scrub management across site  Tree planting Leyton Marsh   Pond restoration works in Horseshoe Thicket  As ever we look forward to seeing and meeting as many of you as possible to discuss and revel in the space we are all so lucky to enjoy together. If ever you see the team out and about, don’t be afraid to come and let us know your thoughts about the marshes. I’m always happy to give people a little more insight into why we do the things we do. From everyone who manages the marshes, have a wonderful winter and enjoy the festivities. Go on indulge. You’ve earned it!    Follow us online and on Instagram to see what we get up to @walthamstowranger.

Win two UCI Track Champions League tickets, a hotel stay at the Hyatt Regency London Stratford and two cycling experience vouchers for Lee Valley VeloPark (enter between 28 October – 17 November 2024) We can’t wait to welcome the UCI Track Champions League event back to Lee Valley VeloPark on 6 – 7 December. It’s ten years since we opened our doors to the public and what better way to round off this anniversary year than hosting the world’s best riders!   Enter our prize draw today and celebrate with us in the heart of the action at the international League’s sell out Grand Finale on Saturday 7 December when the overall winners will be crowned.   The exciting prize, worth over £650, consists of: Two Track Centre Lounge tickets  – which include food and drink – for the UCI Track Champions League  at Lee Valley VeloPark on Saturday 7 December One double room  (including breakfast) at the Hyatt Regency, London Stratford . Check in on Saturday 7 December, check out on Sunday 8 December A behind the scenes tour at the event Two Velodrome Flying Lap experience vouchers for Lee Valley VeloPark which can be redeemed over the next 12 months for this experience session   The competition gives you and a friend the chance see the best of the best in action as riders battle it out on the track where Olympic medals have been won and champions crowned. The Track Centre Lounge tickets are sold out – your only way in is to WIN!!   You can view further details on: UCI Track Champions League Grand Finale event   Hyatt Regency London Stratford Velodrome Flying Lap experience at Lee Valley VeloPark   It’s easy to enter. Just complete and submit your details on the form below and after the closing date we’ll choose one lucky winner – fingers crossed as it could be you!   Competition closes at 23:59 on Sunday 17 November 2024   Terms and conditions apply. Read T&Cs Please note to enter this prize draw you must be over 18 years old. To take part in the Velodrome Flying Lap experience you must be at least 145 cm / 4ft 9ins in height.

The weather has well and truly turned and its time to make the most of the day time by getting outdoors and keeping active. Be inspired for great days out and take a read of our Lee Valley Regional Park hot spots this October half term. Plan you next day out British Open 26 - 27 October  FREE Watch some of the stars of Paris 2024 hit the rapids at Lee Valley White Water Centre Rye House Gatehouse Open Day 27 October  FREE - donations welcome Learn about the history of one of England's first brick built houses from tales of treason to seasonally spooky stories Keeping active   Hit the lake - 26 & 27 October  This is the last chance to hit the lake at Lee Valley White Water Centre! Try out a kayak, SUP board or tackle the Water Wipeout - Book your space quick so you don't miss out Fright Night Disco - 1 November Spooky skating is on the cards at Lee Valley Ice Centre where you can throw some frightening shapes in the rink in this Halloween Special Junior Have a Go horse riding session The perfect sessions for those aged five to 15 to start their horse riding journey with a 30 minute slot   Star Track - 29 October - 1 November Got a budding athlete in the family? Lee Valley Athletics Centre has their Star Track camp were you'll get three days of training with a epic competition on the final day Sunday at the Mills Fireworks at the Mills 27 October 2 November £15 per adult and £10 per child - From £7.50 free parking and tea or coffee See autumn sights We've had an early autumn in the park and the leaves have already begun to turn. Here are some of the best places to see the changing hues: Myddelton House Gardens Waltham Abbey Gardens Fishers Green Walthamstow Marshes Tottenham Marshes You can read more about the trees in the park and try out forest bathing. Winter wildlife in the park  The Bittern has already been spotted in the park and we're expecting more winter wildlife to start flocking to the park. The Wildlife Discovery Centre is the perfect place to see them with views over Seventy Acres Lake and friendly volunteers on hand to help.  Connect with your sense  We've two great sensory routes around the park so you can soak up the changing sounds, smells and textures in the park Sensory route around Gunpowder Park Sensory route around Waltham Abbey Gardens

This competition has now closed. Congratulations to our winner Julian Harding.   We’re continuing the celebrations of Lee Valley VeloPark being open for 10 years and saluting the fantastic athletes competing at the Paris 2024 Summer Paralympic Games with a competition to win an adrenalin fuelled sessions on our velodrome track.   The competition gives you and a friend the chance to experience our iconic banked velodrome track – the track where medals have been won and champions crowned. It’s the ideal place to unearth your inner champion as you get those pedals turning.   You and companion will be able to experience a fun 80 minute session at Lee Valley VeloPark in which you’ll: Be given all the necessary track cycling kit Receive coaching on how to ride a fixed wheel bike Learn the basic skills needed to be able to ride our awesome track   Once you’ve mastered the basic skills, get a flying lap where you can compare your speed to cycling’s stars.   You can view further details of the Velodrome Flying Lap experience here .   It’s easy to enter Just complete and submit your details on the form below and after the closing date we’ll choose one lucky winner – finger crossed as it could be you.   Competition closes at 23:59 on Saturday 7 September 2024 - this competition has now closed.   Terms and conditions apply. Read T&Cs . Please note to participate in the experience you must be at least 145 cm / 4ft 9ins in height

This competition is now closed. Congratulations to our winner Hayley Turness. White water rafting experience It’s slalom time at the Paris 2024 Olympics – teams from around the world are battling it out on raging white water rapids to be crowned Olympic champions.   Fancy giving it a go? Enter our free prize draw where you and a friend will get the chance to have an adrenalin pumping white water experience at Lee Valley White Water Centre. Built for the canoe slalom events at the London 2012 Games, this world class venue lets you experience the same strength of rapids  Olympic athletes take on.   You and your companion will be able to book either a Rafting Unleashed, Hydrospeeding for Hot Dog Kayaking session Lee Valley White Water Centre in which you’ll: Take part in a 90 minute activity session Be given all the necessary kit needed (you just need your swimming gear and a towel to dry off) Receive coaching from our instructors on what you need to do Learn the skills needed to let you navigate the rapids   Olympic and World Champions have been crowned on these rapids, unleash your inner champions and take on these awesome rapids!   Olympic and World Champions have been crowned on these rapids, unleash your inner champions and take on these awesome rapids!   Have a look at the activities you can choose: Rafting Unleashed Hydrospeeding Hot Dogs Kayaking   It’s easy to enter Just complete and submit your details on the form below and after the closing date we’ll choose one lucky winner – finger crossed as it could be you. Competition closes at 23:59 on Sunday 11 August 2024 - this competition is now closed   Terms and conditions apply. Read T&Cs . Please note to participate in any of the experiences detailed you must be over 12 years old and individually weigh under 18 stone.

THIS COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED. Congratulations to our winner Samita! To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the opening of the Lee Valley VeloPark and the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics, we wanted to give you and a friend the chance to experience our iconic banked velodrome track and cycle in the tyre marks of track cycling champions. It’s the ideal place to get those pedals turning and channel your internal track cycling champion.   You and your companion will be able to experience a fun 80 minute session at Lee Valley VeloPark where you’ll: be given all the necessary track cycling kit receive coaching on how to ride a fixed wheel bike learn the basic skills needed to be able to ride our awesome track once you’ve mastered the basic skills, you’ll  get a flying lap where you can compare yourself to the track cycling professionals   Jason Kenney won the sprint in London 2012 with lap time of 9.713 second – can you beat his time?   You can view further details of the Velodrome Flying Lap experience here .   It’s easy to enter Just complete and submit your details on the form below and after the closing date we’ll choose one lucky winner – finger crossed as it could be you. Competition closes at 23:59 on Sunday 14 July 2024   Terms and conditions apply. Read T&Cs . Please note to participate in the experience you must be at least 145 cm / 4ft 9ins in height