We’re excited to announce that we’ve added to our pin badge collection! As well as introducing five new badges (Water Rail, Emperor Dragonfly, Great Crested Grebe, Blue Tit and Hedgehog) we’re also launching two new limited edition Bittern versions to sit alongside our other pin badges. We’re also delighted to showcase our new range of blank greeting cards which use the artist’s graphics from our Wildlife Discovery Centre.   The gold (limited to 50) and sliver (limited to 200) Bittern pin badges will be released for sale on our stand (OD4) at The Global Bird Fair on 11 – 13 July 2025. Also on our stand we’ll have our complete range of pin badges and greetings cards for sale too.   After The Global Bird Fair all items will be available to purchase in person from the Wildlife Discovery Centre or Myddelton House Gardens .   Pin badges and key rings All of our badge designs are exclusive to Lee Valley Regional Park – you won’t find the same version anywhere else.   Our badge collection includes: Limited edition range (35mm) No 1 – Bittern. Gold limited edition  (only 50 available). £10 - new design No 1 – Bittern. Coloured with silver outline limited edition  (only 200 available). £6  - new design Standard range (25 mm) – all £3 each No 1 – Bat. Available in either a black or coloured with silver outline No 2 – Bittern. Available in either a black or coloured with silver outline No 3 – Kingfisher. Available in either a black or coloured with silver outline No 4 – Orchid. Available in either a black or coloured with silver outline No 5 – Otter. Coloured with silver outline No 6 – Water Vole. Available in either a black or coloured with silver outline No 7 – Barbel. Coloured with silver outline No 8 – Great Crested Grebe. Coloured with silver outline  - new design No 9 -   Water Rail. Coloured with silver outline  - new design No 10 - Blue Tit. Coloured with silver outline  - new design No 11- Emperor Dragonfly.   Coloured with silver outline  - new design No 12 - Hedgehog. Coloured with silver outline  - new design Bearded Iris. Coloured with silver outline   We also have Kingfisher keyrings, available in black or coloured with silver outline. £4 each.   Greetings cards We’ve recently launched a range of six colourful blank greetings cards which use the wonderful artist’s illustrations that adorn the walls of the Discovery Room at the Wildlife Discovery Cen tre . Designs include Snipe, Reed Warbler, Otter, Great Crested Grebe, Kingfisher and Emperor Dragonfly.   Individual card. £1.50 Pack of 6 cards (one of each design). £7.50

It’s that time of year when you start thinking of what you want to do, where you want to go and how much is it going to cost. The Lee Valley, located on London’s doorstep with great transport links from both the road and public transport network could offer you a fantastic holiday at a great price too.   You only need to pay a small deposit at the time of booking, with the balance due a few days before you arrive.   Have a look at our different holiday options – and start planning! Head to the trip you'll love Touring and camping pitches Wild Camping Camping pods and pre-pitched tent Glamping pods, holiday lodges and rental cottages   Touring and camping pitches Ideal for those with all the kit whether it’s a caravan, motorhome or tent – our three main campsites offer pitch perfect options for you. Prices from £19.50 per night for two people. Available at: Lee Valley Caravan Park, Dobbs Weir (EN11 0AS) Lee Valley Campsite, Sewardstone (E4 7RA) Lee Valley Camping and Caravan Park, Edmonton (N9 0AR) Wild camping Well almost! “Back to nature” style camping with cooking over an open fire. If you don’t have your own kit- no problem, there’s a pre-pitched safari tent on site, which sleeps five, that you can hire. Prices £30 per night for two people. Available at: Lee Valley Almost Wild Campsite, Broxbourne (EN10 6TD) Camping pods and pre-pitched tents Want that camping experience but don’t have any of the necessities, our selection of wooden camping pods (cocoons, cabins and Wigwams) or safari tents may be just the answer. With options sleeping from two to five people they offer ideal accommodation for short stays. Prices from £36 per night. Available at: Lee Valley Almost Wild Campsite, Broxbourne  (EN10 6TD)# Lee Valley Caravan Park, Dobbs Weir  (EN11 0AS) Lee Valley Campsite, Sewardstone  (E4 7RA) Lee Valley Camping and Caravan Park, Edmonton  (N9 0AR)   Glamping pods, holiday lodges and rental cottages For those looking for a more Air BNB experience have a look at our Peaky Pods, high end holiday lodges (some even have their own hot tubs and EV charging station) or our holiday rental cottages with private parking and gardens. Accommodation sleep between four and six people and prices start from £265 for a four night stay. Available at: Lee Valley Caravan Park, Dobbs Weir  (EN11 0AS) Lee Valley Campsite, Sewardstone  (E4 7RA) What can you do in the area There are hundreds of wonderful days out in and around our campsites. Whether you’re a wildlife lover, thrill seeker, sporting enthusiast, fan of long walks or looking for the perfect family day out the Lee Valley can offer it all Take in nature reserve, riverside trails, heritage sites, hidden gems and urban retreats or explore breath taking sporting venues. Our sites have good access to the public transport network as well as great road connections and being on London’s doorstep there’s so much you can do. For more ideas check out the local tourist information websites: Visit London Visit Essex Visit Herts Visit Epping Forest Visit Cambridge

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. There are 10,000 acres of open spaces to explore so here’s our Top 15 locations to try this summer.   Rye House Gatehouse –Learn about the fascinating history of one of England’s first brick built houses, then sit by the river, or on one of the picnic benches and watch the boats go by. Open on selected days. Visit RSPB Rye Meads nearby. Easy access on public transport Glen Faba  – A short walk from Dobbs Weir car park and café. A quiet site with a nice walk around the lake. Good for bird watching including a Heronry on one of the islands where you can watch them nesting Silvermeade  –You may spot water voles and dragonflies or hire a canoe or bicycle to explore further. Picnic benches available in the car park or visit Old Mill Retreat café to pick up supplies. Easy access on public transport River Lee Country Park  - walk or cycle around the park and find plenty of benches looking over the lakes for a scenic picnic spot. Great for bird watching. Fishers Green picnic area : visit the Wildlife Discovery Centre to learn about the birds in the park and get great views of the lake from the hide and tower Pindar / Cheshunt  – visit the natural play sculptures or dog agility course nearby.  Follow one of the sculpture trail walks or explore the gravel pit lakes. Easy access on public transport Fishers Green secondary car park  – perfect for those with mobility issues. There are picnic benches on the edge of the car park Waltham Abbey Gardens  – learn about the history of the site, visit the Abbey church or head through the underpass to explore Cornmill Meadows which is great for spotting dragonflies and wetland birds. Picnic benches on site Gunpowder Park  – An area of short mown grass close to the main entrance is perfect to put a picnic blanket down before heading off on the many great paths nearby for a walk or bike ride round the park.  Toilets available. On a summers day listen out for the Skylark, singing in flight from a great height Tottenham Marshes  – Choose from picnic benches on Clendish Marsh or the Waterside Café nearby. Close to public transport Leyton Marsh – a hidden gem beyond the Lee Valley Ice Centre, enjoy big skies, wildlife spotting and if you’re feeling active, try out the play and exercise equipment available to borrow for FREE from our new BoxUp unit. Or, combine a picnic with a skate session. Close to toilets. Good public transport links Walthamstow Marshes  – Enjoy your feast in the horseshoe thicket picnic area. This Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) is great for wildlife spotting WaterWorks Nature Reserve  – Visit the bird hide and take a stroll to Middlesex Filter Beds, where you’ll be surrounded by trees and the sound of rushing water – hard to believe you’re in urban London! Make a day of it with visits to nearby Lee Valley Ice Centre or Lee Valley Riding Centre and Leyton and Walthamstow Marshes. Easy access on public transport. No dogs or cycling in the nature reserve Coppermill – Picnic in style on the giant picnic table! Combine with a visit to Walthamstow Marshes or Walthamstow Wetlands Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park  – explore the award-winning green spaces around our iconic Lee Valley VeloPark and Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre and take a stroll along the river.  Easy access on public transport. You’ll find picnic benches dotted around QEOP to take a break Three Mills Green  – An interesting green space by the river in urban east London. Three Mills Green has flat green spaces to roll out a picnic blanket. Pick up some treats at the nearby Tesco or visit the Mill café. Enjoy a few heritage features and kids can burn off steam in the play park East India Dock Basin  - This fabulous green space is much loved by locals for good reason. It has some of the best views of London looking out across the Thames to the O2 Arena. Take in the view from a bench or a blanket before a short stroll along the river to explore Bow Creek Ecology Park nearby.  Easy access on public transport Bow Creek Ecology Park  – Look out for waders feeding on the muddy banks. There’s a little area to sit and escape the hustle of city life. Easy walk to Canning Town station

Its #VolunteersWeek and we want to shine the light on the unsung heroes of the park, our volunteers. From repairing and restoring vital assets to litter picks and planting – see what’s involved in being a volunteer in Lee Valley Regional Park . Opportunities for all The park is so varied with open spaces, gardens, sporting venues, marinas, fisheries and more, so whether you have an existing interest or are looking to explore something new, you’ll be able to take your pick. Here’s just a selection of the opportunities on offer in the park: Walk Leaders and Supporters Conservation Volunteers Wildlife and Public Information Assistants Myddelton House Gardens Volunteers Learning and Engagement Volunteers Rye House Gatehouse Assistants Day in the life Hear from our volunteer, Linda, who is an honorary warden at Silvermeade, Broxbourne. She gets stuck into habitat works and has been monitoring Water Voles in the area too Rob and Olivia use prongs to tackle a large sedge root ‘ Under the expert guidance of Ranger, Rob Hawkins and Assistant Ranger, Olivia Chamberlain, volunteers have been improving the habitat at Silvermeade for Water Voles and getting the site ready for conservation grazing later in the season. Regular volunteer days have enabled fast progress. Ditches in the enclosures are cleared on a six year cycle, so that Water Voles and other species are able to move to adjoining water courses if they are disturbed. The ditch cleared in recent months was home to this Water Vole last summer, and there was plenty of evidence that the resident population is thriving. Water Vole at Silvermeade who will benefit from these habitat improvements Water Vole at Silvermeade will benefit from these habitat improvements. Water Vole droppings, which are known as a ‘latrine’ when the Water Vole repeatedly revisits the same spot. Next was some tree works. Clearing trees or pollarding older stumps helps to increase the light levels reaching the water and encourages emergent vegetation such as sedge to grow. Water Voles feed on the sedge (and hundreds of other plant species) and use it as cover, as well as sometimes weaving nests from it. The artistically created wood pile with its creators Claudia and Bob, volunteers. Arisings from volunteer work stays on site, and wood from pollarded trees is used to create dead hedges or log piles, great habitat sites for invertebrates. While we created this one, we were lucky to see a Goldcrest in a neighbouring tree, who will no doubt be pleased at the increase in food source that this pile will bring. The artistically created wood pile with its creators Claudia and Bob, volunteers Thank you to Lee Valley Regional Park for providing the opportunity to take part in activities which improve the state of nature by increasing biodiversity.’ Valuing our volunteers Making sure our volunteers feel valued and part of the team is so important to ensure they’re motivated and want to continue to lend a hand. Here are some of the things we have in place: Uniform provided Tea and coffee while working Departments arrange thank you events and trips – most recently our Ranger arranged a scavenger hunt for the volunteers Providing training Tiered benefits system that includes discounts at our venues Annual volunteer awards to recognise those who go above and beyond Here are some quotes from our volunteers that show how much they feel valued in their role: ‘…the fact that Lee Valley has put in a system which recognises, incentivises and rewards its volunteers ” – Sonny, Events volunteer “…I look back when I have finished the job I have done and I can see that I have made a difference to Lee Valley (Regional) Park, but I also think that the Rangers and the people who run the Lee Valley (Regional) Park Authority do express their gratitude, so I think that we are all well aware that we are appreciated” –   Murray, Conservation volunteer for the Rangers​ To ensure we’re providing the best for our volunteers our organisation is assessed by Investing in Volunteers, we have now held this accreditation for eight years. Hear from our Volunteers Officer Jess about how this accreditation has helped our volunteer service #VolunteersWeek got you inspired? Apply to become a volunteer today

#LoveLeeValley This month we’re celebrating the joy of cycling and all the different ways you can enjoy Lee Valley Regional Park by bike. With longer, brighter and warmer days June is the perfect month to hop on a bike and explore our stunning and diverse 10,000 acres of parkland. And whether you’re looking for a scenic cycle or keen to follow in the tracks of the Olympians and put your skills to the test at Lee Valley VeloPark – we have a cycling experience for everyone. National Bike Week (8 - 14 June) We’re joining the UK’s biggest celebration of cycling and bringing you a guide to cycling in the Lee Valley. Read on for helpful tips, our best cycling routes and cycling experiences for everyone – no bike or experience necessary. Before you set off We asked staff for their tops tips on preparing for a bike ride – here’s what they had to say: Visually inspect your bike. Tyres should be at the recommended pressure. Look out for cracks or signs of excessive wear. Always give your breaks a squeeze, are they working smoothly? Loud squeaking could suggest a problem. Check your chain, is it working effectively? Look out for signs of dirt build up and rust Safe to cycle. If you’re cycling in low lighting you’ll need to have a clean and functioning front and rear light, check them before you set off Pack the essentials. If you’re heading on one of our longer rides be sure to pack a puncture repair kit and small handheld pump and make sure you know how to use them. You may also want to pack water, snacks and sunscreen Dress for comfort. Thin layers are perfect because you’ll soon get warm. Don’t forget high visibility clothing if you’re riding at dawn or dusk Check your route. It’s always a good to have an idea where you are heading so you can plan a manageable route, check the terrain and ensure there are no works taking place which may impact your route. ℹ Good to know… for cycling in and around River Lee Country Park. A basic toolkit and bicycle pump is located on the site of Lee Valley White Water Centre. Need some inspiration? We’ve pulled together a few of our favourite cycle routes across the park, including top picks from our colleagues and partners. ⭐Top staff pick - Fishers Green Foray in River Lee Country Park, Fishers Green. Matt Ewings, Events Manager explains, “This route is a personal favourite, it doesn’t use any highways, the paths are predominantly tarmac and it takes in some lovely scenery through the park”. At 12 miles it’s one of the longer rides in our collection but there’s plenty of stopping points along the way and cafés to refuel 🚌 Accessible by public transport - Urban Oasis in Tottenham Marshes. You’ll easily forget you’re in London as you take in the diverse wildlife and natural landscapes along this 3.5 mile route. A short hop from Northumberland Park train station and well served by bus this easy to access route will take you on a figure of eight through Tottenham Marshes via a mix of surfaced pathways, towpath, bridges, large cobbles and walk-around gates. For a shorter circuit of 1.5 miles check out Walk on the Wild Side 🚲Keeping little ones amused - The Artway Route 3 in River Lee Country Park, Fishers Green. This route is a firm family favourite. At 3 miles it’s suitable for all and there’s plenty to keep younger cyclists entertained with sculptures dotted along the route which can be touched, climbed and played with. There’s toilets nearby in Fishers Green car park. ✨ Partner’s Pick We asked our friends at Cycle Sisters, a Muslim womens' cycling charity for their favourite route. Deryn, a ride leader for Cycle Sisters shared details of a regular group ride through Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and Hackney Marshes, continuing on to Walthamstow Wetlands, “This is one of my favourite places to ride in London. You forget you're even in London as you ride through the wooded areas and listen to the sounds of birds singing!" You can take in these sights for yourself with our 5.5 mile Golden Circle route. 🥪Pedal and picnic It’s National Picnic Week from 13 – 21 June. Cycling is hungry work, why not combine a bike ride with a good old fashioned picnic? You can filter all our cycling routes for those that offer scenic picnic spots or picnic benches. Take things up a gear at Lee Valley VeloPark This iconic London 2012 legacy venue is open to everyone, seasoned cyclists to complete beginners and offers an impressive four cycling disciplines in one spot. Where will you head? Iconic velodrome track. One of the fastest tracks in the world, frequently graced by the world’s best. Enjoy the thrill of track cycling at a coached Velodrome Taster experience or book on to a drop-in session. In the track centre little ones can learn to ride in the most inspirational setting with VeloBalance sessions. Epic BMX course. Show off your tricks on the remodelled Olympic BMX track. Learn the basics, hit the bumps and berms or practicing your skills at one of our open sessions. Experience sessions are also available for this course. Premium road circuit. Cruise around this smooth, scenic route in the heart of east London. This one mile floodlit circuit is perfect from early morning through to evening. Pay and ride to work on your cycling skills or fitness. Beginners can check out the adult one-to-one learn to ride lessons. Graded mountain biking trails. Tackle the terrain of our mountain bike trails, graded like ski runs into blues, reds and black. Develop your skills in a coached session or pay to ride and test your limits. ℹ Good to know… gift vouchers are available for all the cycling experiences at Lee Valley VeloPark. No bike, no problem! Owning a bike shouldn’t be a barrier to enjoying the joy of cycling. There’s several options to hire bikes and helmets in the park. The Cycling for Health programme is a series of sociable weekly led rides on traffic free routes in and around River Lee Country Park, Gunpowder Park and Chingford delivered by Epping Forest MTB and Epping Forest District Council. Bikes and helmets are available for those choosing to ride and hire (£12) or you can bring your own bike and helmet (£7). For more information please visit: Cycling for Health - Epping Forest MTB. Lee Valley VeloPark offers bike hire with all booked sessions, including pay to ride. Bike and helmet starts at £13.50 for adults and £9.30 for under 18s Lee Valley Canoe Cycle, Broxbourne offers bike hire for all the family and is conveniently located for exploring the stunning scenery in the north of the park Santander Cycles has a number of docking stations spread across Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, find out more at TFL. Lime also offer a similar service via their app, find out more on their website Start planning your summer cycle today!

What you may see in the park this spring With 10,000 acres of habitat the wildlife changes with the seasons and offers an array of things to look out for. Wildlife The park is renowned for its important and protected habitats and the species that make them their home – some highlights that you may see from March to May are: Swifts  as they return from Africa to start their breeding season, listen out for their ‘screaming’ calls as they feed on insects. They can be seen across the valley feasting on the insects especially over waterbodies. We’ve installed Swift boxes in the walls of the Lee Valley Ice Centre and play recordings of their calls to draw them in, hopefully one day they'll nest here. Read more > Nightingale are secretive birds known for their melodic song who love scrubby or coppiced woodland. They are Red Listed due to their decline in numbers – there has been an estimated 42% decline in breeding numbers over the past 30 years. They return to the park each spring having spent the winter in west Africa, a great place to listen and look out for them is Fishers Green Barn Owls can be seen quartering the grasslands on the hunt for their prey of small mammals. If walking the park pathway from Fishers Green to Clayton Hill in River Lee Country Park keep an eye out over the farmland particularly at dusk Kingfisher , these lovely bright cobalt blue birds can be seen throughout the year, listen out for their shrill call as they fly low over the waterways or look out for them on perched on branches over the water. Good locations for spotting them are WaterWorks Centre nature reserve , Tottenham Marshes and the Wildlife Discovery Centre in River Lee Country Park at Fishers Green. This species is part of our Biodiversity Action Plan and we have installed special features in banks to encourage them to nest. Read more > House Sparrow are small noisy social birds that can be found in the park all year round. Sadly, their populations are in decline globally but can still be found throughout the park – listen out for their noisy ‘cheep cheep’ call as they gather together in bushes Skylark  with their distinctive small crest and streaky brown feathers are known for their aerobatics being able to fly vertically in the air. Their long rising and falling warbling song, is so evocative of this time of year.  They are a Red List species (which means it’s in critical danger) and are year-round residents in the park, loving our farmland and grassland areas on Gunpowder Park , where they nest on the ground Cuckoo , their distinctive call heralds the start of spring as they return from their African wintering grounds. They lay their egg in another birds nest, it hatches after 12 days and pushes out the hosts eggs and chicks so that it gets all of its adoptive parents attention. A great place listen for their calls are Glen Faba or Cornmill Meadows Pollinators such as bumblebees come out of hibernation and start to do their great work pollinating the spring flowers. The park is a haven for such species and they can been seen hard at work up and down the park. Look out for the scarce Brown-banded Carder bumblebee, the queen emerges from hibernation from April onwards   Flora The open spaces burst back into life in spring, from the buds on the trees bring back their leafy canopies to flowers in wildflower meadows making a reappearance. Notable for spring are: Cuckooflower so named as it blooms from April onwards, coinciding with the arrival of Cuckoos. With its delicate pale pink flowers its easy to see why they are also called Lady’s Smock– they love damp meadows, ditches and river banks. In the park you can see these flowers on the floodplain meadows at Silvermeade , Cornmill Meadows and Walthamstow Marshes Cowslips’ bright yellow flowers can be seen from April to May and are an important early nectar source for insects. This native plant is a member of the primrose family can easily be found throughout grasslands of the park such as WaterWorks Centre nature reserve , Gunpowder Park and those at our sporting venues such as the Lee Valley White Water Centre 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 >

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 >

#LoveLeeValley The days have grown longer, the sun is peaking through the clouds and there’s no better time to get out and about to explore the beauty of Lee Valley Regional Park. Our great park stretches over 10,000 acres, and offers hundreds of great days out. May is National Walking Month 🌼 A time to celebrate the joys and benefits of walking - it's an opportunity to have a healthier lifestyle by incorporating more steps into your daily routine. Whether it's a leisurely walk through your favourite bit of the park or a brisk stroll somewhere further afield, every step counts towards better health. Discover the park with our pre planned routes – take the guess work out of exploring 🌿 We’ve created more than 40 of our favourite walking routes for you to try, each has its own charm and character. Here’s a few of our top choices:​ Planes and Trains – Lee Valley Ice Centre. A great one mile walk through Walthamstow and Leyton Marshes where history and wildlife combine. Refreshments available at Lee Valley Ice Centre’s café Grebes and Gravel – Lee Valley White Water Centre. Enjoy a circular two mile walk that takes in the habitats of Bowyers Water, then round off with refreshments in the café overlooking the start pool of the white water course. Urban Oasis – Tottenham Marshes. A figure of eight route covering just over 3.5 miles through the wildlife and wildflower habitats of the marshes. Monks and Meadows – Waltham Abbey Gardens. A five mile route that takes in the wonderful Cornmill Meadows before heading off into River Lee Country Park and returning via Walton Walks alongside the River Lee Navigation. Valley Views – River Lee Country Park, Fishers Green. An eight mile circular route that winds it way through farmland and lush green open spaces as well as some section of towpath too Each route offers a unique experience, allowing you to connect with nature and enjoy the outdoors in a meaningful way. Lea Valley Walk Looking for something more challenging then explore this 50 mile route that track the spine of the Lee Valley. There's a book that accompanies the route. Find out more here > Why walk? Here’s some of the benefits of walking🚶‍♂️ Walking isn't just a way to get from A to B, it's a powerful tool for enhancing both physical and mental wellbeing. Here's how regular walks can benefit you: Physical health Regular walking strengthens the heart, lowers blood pressure, and reduces the risk of heart disease Brisk walking has been shown to increase white blood cell count, bolstering your body's defence against illnesses Being active, such as walking, can help regulate your sleep patterns, leading to better rest Mental wellbeing Walking, especially in natural settings, can lower levels of cortisol, the body's stress hormone, promoting relaxation Physical activity stimulates the release of endorphins, chemicals in the brain that act as natural mood lifters Regular walking increases blood flow to the brain, improving memory and cognitive abilities Increase your activity by walking We know thinking about getting more active can be daunting - how about joining a group of like minded people with the same goal? We run free get active sessions every week up and down the park. There are a range of walks so you can choose whichever suits your needs, wehter you're looking for just a cuppa with a short stroll, or something that builds on your endurance skills. Walk leaders and volunteers make sure everyone gets to know each other and people can walk at their own pace. See what walks are coming up – just hit the Health and Wellbeing filter button to see the list of planned walks. Ready to Explore? 👟 The park offers a diverse range of walking routes suitable for all ages and abilities – however you can just as easily explore on your own and see where the trail takes you. So, whether you're looking to immerse yourself in nature, visit one of our heritage sites or simply enjoy a peaceful walk, there's a trail that’s perfect for you. Keep up to date Want the latest news, events and offers delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for our e‑newsletters and choose the topics you’re most interested in.

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!