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Firstly, I’d like to introduce myself, I’m Luke Boyle, the Ranger for the Walthamstow and Leyton marsh areas. Switching scenery from the East Sussex seaside to the marshes of east London has been a joy for me since starting here last year. I feel very lucky to be able to spend the majority of my time out on the marshes. Ambling through North Marsh on a crisp, cool morning, heavy with dew, there’s nowhere I’d rather be. I’ve been fortunate enough to spend a great deal of time getting to meet and greet many of the local faces who are as foundational to the feel of Walthamstow Marshes as the landscape features and the plant and animal communities. Having found my feet it seems a good time to get the newsletter up and running again given how important a role the community plays in the upkeep of the reserve. The team have been working incredibly hard over the past few years protecting and enhancing the site all the while maintaining the high standards which afford the site its Green Flag status, as well as Gold award winning London in Bloom sites. As a consequence we have a huge amount to share with you all in terms of what state the site is in, how things might have changed since you last visited, what the outlook is as we move forward and how you might be able to participate in protecting this beautiful space we all are so lucky to benefit from. I hope you enjoy. The day to day It’s easy to forget, as we crash headlong into spring, that the marshes don’t always appear the most hospitable place. If you walk the marshes at the time I’m writing this in May, the air is perfumed with elderflower. Your field of vision swims in the seasonally lush, lime green of early spring. Purples and whites from Cow Parsley and Honesty, Comfrey and Borage are the palette for what remains to me, a surreal environment squeezed between Zones 2 & 3 on the London underground. And by remembering the depths of winter, the surreal nature of the marshes is brought into even sharper focus. As we all know it has been wet this winter. Seriously, seriously wet. Outlines of the ephemeral streams and rivers have wrought their history on North Marsh and remained filled with water for months now. Much of the work we wanted to carry out on this marsh was oriented around enhancing the grassland by reducing patches of scrub. We were able to clear large areas from across the site but not as much as we’d have ideally liked. The beauty of a job like this is that we’ll be able to have another go after the bird breeding season is over. Whilst bramble is valuable habitat for much of the wildlife that uses the marshes, it’s aggressive. Left unchecked it would reduce the whole site to scrub over a matter of years. In order to maintain and enhance the equilibrium and range of species across the site we have to battle it continuously. In January this year the green was muted and the trees were bare. The two ponds in Horseshoe Thicket had been left overgrown for rather longer than was optimum. Over the course of a few (freezing cold!!) sessions in waders, our honorary wardens and some of my colleagues were able to reduce the levels of reed, creating some interesting structure for the vegetation in the ponds. We also created some barer patches in the south facing margins that hopefully would attract amphibians and reptiles later on in the year. And in the areas where we cut, we can see now growing Cuckooflower in abundance. Across the site as a whole, the areas adjacent to ditches or ponds where we carried out winter cutting have seen a strong number of Cuckooflowers. As the larval food plant for Orange-tip butterflies, we can only hope that this will be a bumper year for both. On the South Marsh this late winter we have had the ongoing presence of Snipe. Given that this area isn’t accessible to the general public, the Snipe, which are Amber listed on the IUCN species list, have made home from (we think) February onwards. Impossible to see as a ground nesting, wading bird, Snipe are becoming rarer and rarer in wet grassland areas and lowland generally. It feels like a positive place to be when you see them scatter into the air, swing round and regain their composure on the sopping wet marsh. The prominent row of native Black Poplars that dissects Leyton Marsh and the South Marsh has been standing proud for around 100 years. Whilst this type of tree can live to around 200 - 250 years, there’s significant risk of their demise once they reach their current size and age. Balancing the conservation of the site as a whole with the very real pressures that come with managing such a public site is a tight walk the Ranger team often having to traverse. We’re using the scrape as a nursery for a succession of Black Poplars which will one day hopefully reach the heady heights of their forebears right next to them. We planted over 100 tree on the margins of Leyton marsh this year with a view to planting very many more in the next available season. It’s an area of the marshes where we have more freedom to experiment than the SSSI and where planting trees will both provide habitat for a whole suite of species and increase our capacity to capture carbon. Bees and other such buzz This year we’ve given particular notice to the bees which forage across the marshes. In the summer of 2023, all three Carder Bee species were sighted around Lee Valley Ice Centre during a survey undertaken by the Bumblebee Conservation Trust. Research being carried out on site (more details on which we hope to share in our next issue) suggests the Coppermill meadows are some of the most biodiverse areas on site for bees and other winged invertebrates . In its current state, awash with Garlic Mustard, Cowslip and Nettles in flower, it’s easy to see how a bee might find riches enough to make a suitable home on the meadows. It’s a huge boon for the site to boast this type of diversity even outside of the boundary of the SSSI. Volunteers Our volunteers have been as dedicated as ever in assisting with the management of the sites this year. In September and October we cleared a couple of big areas of reedbed from both the South and North Marsh. Once these are cut, we’d be lost without the help of our volunteers to help remove the spoil from site. We remove the reed to halt the nutrients from returning to the earth. This prevents the more adventitious plants from crowding out the reed as it grows back up over the winter and into the spring. This is common approach for reedbeds and wet meadows and the timing is crucial. Too early and we can interfere with the habitats of communities within the grasses and too late, the site will become waterlogged and make cutting nigh on impossible. Ox Bow Island This joint project on the Canal & and River Trust owned island has been running since before COVID and is now virtually complete. New paths and dead hedging orchestrate a proper woodland walk. Trees and bulbs have been planted. Coir rolls have stabilized the bank within the inlet and we have been able to get on top of invasive non-native species especially Floating Pennywort. We’ll continue to make little improvements where necessary but as of now Ox Bow Island is a lovely place to spend a little time when out and about. Plans for the year Here’s a taste of the projects we have planned in for the next year on the marshes, many of which you’ll be able to learn more about in our next edition: Black Poplar succession planting nursery Leyton Marsh Yellow Rattle regeneration Ox Bow Island meadow management Coppermill bulb planting Leyton Marsh carbon capture tree planting programme Haystacks community event Replacing fencing on South Marsh This summer all of our focus turns maintenance and surveying. We’re hoping to complete an invertebrate survey for the site as a whole in line with the ones carried out five and 10 years ago. We’ll welcome the return of our small herd of cattle to site and wonder whether we’ll have another unexpected calf appear mid-way through the season. And we’ll continue to learn how the marshes change over the course of a year, unfixed as they are, and all the more special for it. We look forward to seeing you all on the marshes! Leave no trace! We love to see people using the marshes and would ask everyone to respect this beautiful green space by ensuring they clean up after their dogs and take any rubbish away with them . New Instagram channel! Follow us online and on our new Instagram to see what we get up to @walthamstowranger

Can you believe another school holidays has made its way round? This time we have all of our fingers crossed for some sunny days so we can make the most of summer early. Take a read of what’s on offer and get planning your break. Watersports Nothing says summer like hitting the water and we’ve lots of places where you can try your hand at different paddlesports. If you want the kids to burn off some energy, Lee Valley White Water Centre’s  inflatable Water Wipeout course is where you want to be. Looking for a day of activities for the kids? ESSA Water Activity Centre  has Multi Activity Day where your kids can try their hand at three different activities in the day.   Horse riding Lee Valley Riding Centre  have two great sessions to help your little ones confidence with horses and how to care for them. Own A Pony is for children aged 5+ where they get a taster of what it would be like to own their own pony. Meet the Minis is for little pony lovers aged 3+ where they will get the chance to meet and groom American Miniature Horses and ask all their pony questions.   Cycling Lee Valley Regional Park is perfect for cycling whether it’s testing the trails at Lee Valley VeloPark ’s BMX, mountain bike and track cycling sessions or taking on one of our routes  throughout the park – the Artway routes  are great for little legs and give the kids something to look out for!   Wildlife watching The half term marks the end of spring and the beginning of summer so there are some changes in the flora and fauna out in the park: Keep an eye out for Reed Warblers flitting between the reeds, ducklings like Coots and Moorhens on the water or messy feathered little birds hopping around on woodland floor. If you find a baby bird follow these instructions. Listen out for the calls of birds such as the Cuckoo, Nightingale and screaming Swifts! Breathe in the smell of seasonal flowers like Elderflower and Honeysuckle Use your fingertips to feel the different bark textures, silver birch has smooth bark and Black Popular has ridged bark The Wildlife Discovery Centre  is a great place to visit. The kids can learn more about the natural environment around them and see if they can spot any wildlife from the tower over Seventy Acres Lake.     Events you can get involved with Our friends at The Paddocks are running bird  and ladybird  surveys on 31 May, all the family can join in and develop children’s curiosity in the natural world. Our Ranger Team are running a drop in session at Turnford Brook on 2 June where you can learn more about the park and what you can do there, pop by and have a chat! We love seeing photos of your visit so make sure you tag us in your social media posts so we can see and share your great visits on Facebook ,  Twitter , Threads  and Instagram

We’re delighted to be marking 10 years since we opened the doors of Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre to the public after two years of transformation works following the London 2012 Games. This impactful centre is now firmly established as one of the big five sports venues on London’s wonderful Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Are you among the 460,000 people who’ve played here or the thousands upon thousands have enjoyed an almost non-stop series of major international events?   Did you know that the site, which is owned by Lee Valley Regional Park Authority, has a sporting pedigree going back to 1923? The Authority were a key part of London’s bid for the 2012 Games and we made sure that Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre was perfectly designed for its post Games legacy use.   To mark 10 years of being open to the public, here’s 10 things that sum up what this award winning venue is all about:   1. London 2012 Games This was 2012’s only new purpose built Paralympic venue, hosting the wheelchair tennis competition. Eight days of thrilling competition attracted record crowds to three events. ParalympicsGB won two medals, a silver in the Quad doubles and a Bronze in the Women’s doubles. Image credit: The Tennis Foundation & Professional Sport Photography 2. Open to the public – 21 June 2014 After the Games work took place to transform the venue to what you see today – ready for when we threw open the doors 10 years ago. Visitors can use: four US Open standard indoor tennis courts six outdoor courts two of the best hockey pitches in the country which host domestic matches, schools and community teams as well as international events.   3. Delivering 10 years of sporting legacy Legacy has always been our big focus – and we’re proud to say that: since opening 1.3 million people have visited   460,000  have played hockey and tennis we’ve given away 2,000 free event tickets  for community groups over 1,000 people have participated in funded programmes we’ve hosted 13 major international events   4. Delivering community focused programmes With the help of Lee Valley Regional Park Authority’s Community Access Fund and its Active Communities grant scheme, and the work of partners, we’ve delivered a wide range of impactful community initiatives. These include mental health tennis sessions in partnership with Core Arts which promote positive physical and mental wellbeing and the Hackney New Age Games programme in partnership with Hackney Council which encourages older people to take part in physical activity. Find out more about our grant programmes .   5. Extensive tennis coaching programme The venue has established a great programme offering over 70 hours of coaching a week delivered by a dedicated team. Sessions available allow children as young as four to pick up a racket, learn new skills and get active in an inspirational setting. Find out more .   6. Boosting disability tennis We’re a hub for disability tennis and kicked off our tennis events programme with three successive years of the NEC Wheelchair Tennis Masters bringing the biggest names in wheelchair tennis, including 2012 Paralympic medallists back to our indoor courts.   7. Record crowds for women’s hockey We’re used to hosting large scale international hockey events – however the 2018 Vitality Hockey Women’s World Cup was extra special with over 120,000 spectators – a UK record for women’s hockey outside an Olympics - coming to watch the matches, making the atmosphere electric. Image credit: World Sport Pics, Rodrigo Jaramillo.   8. FIH Pro League Since 2018 we’ve hosted the GB leg of these international league matches with our top class hockey pitches taking centre stage in these thrilling on pitch battles.   9.  Road to Rio Programme This programme helped spot the next generation of wheelchair tennis players to represent GB at the Paralympics, delivering grass roots support for progression in the sport. ­ 10. Jam packed calendar It’s not only the big events that take place, our hockey pitches are in constant use with school and university teams playing, as well as domestic hockey league matches and six clubs based here.

The best place in the world to cycle? We certainly think so! We’re marking 10 years since this iconic venue opened to the public back in 2014. Since then more than 740,000 people have cycled here taking advantage of truly world class facilities in London’s beautiful Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.   We’re the only place in the world where you can do track, BMX, road and mountain biking – and there’s a new reason to visit as we’ve just opened a brand new gym.   Born out of Lee Valley Regional Park Authority’s 2003 vision to deliver a wonderful cycling venue as part of a “Zone of Sporting Excellence” in the Lee Valley, our plans were incorporated into the London Olympic bid   and we oversaw every stage of Lee Valley VeloPark’s design to ensure that this stunning venue was perfect for legacy.   To mark 10 years since we threw the doors open, here’s 10 things that sum up what Lee Valley VeloPark is all about.   1. London 2012 Games Were you lucky enough to get to the velodrome during London 2012? It was the fastest selling ticket of the Games! The electric atmosphere helped Team GB and ParalympicsGB dominate the field and excel, winning an unprecedented 24 medals. Sellout crowds saw Chris Hoy, Laura Kenny (née Trott), Mark Colbourne, Sarah Storey and Neil Fachie among many other household names show what British athletes could do. Just next door, the Olympic BMX track saw some great adrenalin fuelled action too.   2. Transformation and public opening to the public Our team made sure that Lee Valley VeloPark (along with the nearby Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre, and Lee Valley White Water Centre in Hertfordshire) had its post Olympics legacy use designed in from the very start. We had the Olympic BMX track modified so that mere mortals could ride it and added a one mile road circuit and five miles of mountain bike trails, this makes Lee Valley VeloPark the only place in the world where you can do these four forms of cycling in one place. We opened with some big name athletes at the grand finale of the Revolution Series, then threw our doors open to legions of cyclists who have taken on the four circuits.   3. It’s all about the numbers Legacy has always been our big focus – and we’re proud to say that since opening: 740,000 people have cycled here We’ve given away 5,800 free event tickets  for community groups Over 4,000 people  have participated in free funded programmes 5,000 school children ride every year We’ve hosted 18 major international events   4. Delivering community focused programmes While we have had a very successful track record of commercial hires, team building days and the hire of meeting space – and are now even home to a university - 90% of the cycling programme is reserved for communities, schools and clubs making this state of the art venue accessible to everyone. Lee Valley VeloPark works with social enterprise Bikeworks to offer all ability cycling sessions and with the support of funding from Lee Valley Regional Park Authority’s Community Access Fund and Active Communities Grants scheme and we run sessions for groups who might not be able to afford to ride or may not think cycling is for them. Find out more about our funding programmes .   5. Running an extensive cycling activity programme With four cycling disciplines in one location there’s a diverse programme on offer whether you’re looking to tackle the velodrome track, the bumps and berms of the BMX, take on mountain bike trails or ride the traffic free road circuit. There’s even toddler sessions so that children as young as two can learn to ride. Find out more .   6. Invictus Games 2014 It was quite a moment when the Invictus Games held their inaugural event at Lee Valley VeloPark. The road circuit came alive with veterans battling it out for their team and country with Prince Harry watching on. Like us, these Games are also celebrating their 10 year anniversary this year.   7. Making history with events Our event pedigree is undisputed – not only have Olympians and Paralympians graced our velodrome track but World Champions and Commonwealth Games medalists have too. With the fastest track in the world you can see why all the best want to race here. When we hosted the track cycling events for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games we made history becoming the only venue to have hosted an Olympics, Paralympics, World Championship and Commonwealth Games in the same sport. And we’ve got our share of world records too, in 2015 Bradley Wiggins smashed the hour record by cycling 33.88 miles in 60 minutes! 8. UCI Track Champions League You can see that holding major events is in our DNA and we’ve hosted the grand finale of the UCI Track Champions League since 2021 where the 6,000 seater velodrome is packed to the rafters. We make free community tickets available bringing this top flight track cycling event to  communities across the region, inspiring generations of cyclists. Image credit: SWpix.com . 9. What does the shape of the velodrome remind you of? Have you ever looked at the shape of the velodrome and compared it to a popular snack? Well you’re not the only one. It was nicknamed the Pringle as soon as it was built and the company used it as the backdrop for a spectacular promotional light show back in February 2022.   10. We’re not done yet! The venue may be well established with its cycling roots firmly embedded however we’re not standing still. We constantly invest in the venue to keep it at the top of its game – two years ago installing £600,000 worth of LED lights to reduce energy consumption. Our latest investment landed on 1 May - a brand new gym and fitness studios. Next stop is new meeting spaces overlooking the track.

FIH Pro League at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre Win a weekend family ticket to watch Great Britain in action with a hotel stay for hockey’s hottest competition - the FIH Pro League 2024.   We’re running an exciting competition for the upcoming FIH Pro League matches at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre,, alongside our partners GLL, England Hockey and the Hyatt Regency London Stratford.   The June, Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre is marking 10 years since it opened to the public and what better way to celebrate than welcoming a host of international teams to one of hockey's biggest tournaments? Built for the London 2012 Games, this venue delivers an outstanding legacy offering top notch hockey and tennis facilities for community use, coaching services as well as major international events.   Now onto the prize! Enter this free prize draw to win: Family ticket (two adults and two children) for the games on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 June 2024 courtesy of England Hockey One night stay at the Hyatt Regency London Stratford hotel for up to two adults and two children Evening meal at the Hyatt Regency London Stratford  hotel for the party staying there Behind the scenes tour giving unique insights into the world of international hockey   How to enter Families can join in and win by tagging and following England Hockey, Hyatt London Stratford and Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre on social media, cheering on their favourite team with “Come on Great Britain - we can’t wait for  #FIHProLeague2024 ”. The competition is open until 17 May 2024. T&Cs apply   Social media handles: Hyatt House London Stratford: Instagram: @hyattlondonstratford X: #HyattLondonStratford Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre: Instagram: @leevalleyhtc  X: @LeeValleyHTC England Hockey: Instagram: @englandhockey  X: @EnglandHockey

Stepping out into spring couldn’t be easier with the sun finally making an appearance! It’s easy to stick to the same old routes and we want to help you explore new ground in the Lee Valley this  #NationalWalkingMonth. Hear from some of our team members about their favourite routes so you can plan your next walk out. Matt, Events Manager “One of my favourite routes is Fishers Green Foray. As a keen cyclist this route can be taken either by foot or bike, and perfect for those with limited cycling fitness. There are some nice pub stops along the way and you can visit Lee Valley White Water Centre – which now has a handy bike service station if you are cycling the route.”   Pas, Sport Development Officer “I’m a regular runner at the Gunpowder Park parkrun, having completed over 60 runs, but it wasn’t until I volunteered on a LifeWalk that I discovered the wonderful wet woodland area. It has board walks and bird hides and I was amazed how different, tranquil and beautiful this section of the park looks and how I had never found it before. Totally stunning.” Sophie, Senior Events Manager “Although I don’t have a set route that I walk, the paths around River Lee Country Park  that lead to Lee Valley White Water Centre are great for buggies and the little ones, plus you can pick up a coffee on the way back. We also love feeding the ducks and swans along Waltons Walk.”   Holly, Digital Communications Officer “My favourite walking route is Monks and Meadows. This route takes you through Waltham Abbey Gardens and Cornmill Meadows which gives off a mystical vibe plus you might see grazing cows during the summer months. The route takes you round the field and to Hooks Marsh where you loop back round to walk along the river. Keep an eye out for waterfowl and the birds flitting from tree to tree.”

Things to do Easter Tennis Camp at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre This is a great mid week session from 27 – 29 March where your little tennis star can hone their skills through fun games with the a final tournament to finish the three day camp.   Lake activities at Lee Valley White Water Centre Running all week through the holidays, you can try your hand at kayaking, SUP boarding or tackle the Water Wipeout on the lake for £16 per person – that right you can hit the flatwater from aged 8+.   Lee Valley VeloPark Community Open Day To celebrate Lee Valley VeloPark being open for 10 years of Lee Valley VeloPark, they’re running a community day with discounted cycling sessions and free taster of the NEW gym and fitness facilities.   Great Easter Eggstravaganza at Lee Valley Animal Adventure Park Meet Monty the Meerkat, play on the Hilltop Adventure Play and go on the hunt of Easter eggs at this get event day.   Places to visit Myddelton House Gardens Spring is the perfect time to visit this wonderful garden! From the spring bulbs popping up on the Tulip Terrace to the songbirds flitting from tree to tree and an adventure around every corner for the little one to discover, this is the perfect day out.   Lee Valley Ice Centre and Walthamstow Marshes This is a fantastic hub for a day of activity! You can start the day with a session on the ice to test your gliding skills and even the young kids can have a go with the skate aids. After you’re all skated out you can grab lunch in the café or bring a picnic on Walthamstow Marshes and soak up the spring day. Rye House Gatehouse The dates for 2024 opening season for Rye House Gatehouse have been released with two dates during the Easter Break, 7 and 14 April . Learn all about the history of one of the first brick built houses in England, find out more out treasonous plots and explore this Grade II listed building.   Royal Gunpowder Mills Sunday openings are back at Royal Gunpowder Mills! You can explore the historical collections in the museum and history of the site on the land train as well a spotting their resident flock of deer. Their first opening is 31 March , perfect for Easter weekend with another session on 14 April .   Things for big kids Strength and Balance Class at Lee Valley White Water Centre These new sessions are run in partnership with Herts Sport Partnership, Stevenage FC Foundation and Lee Valley Regional Park Authority for people who have not exercised or have reduced mobility. The classes are hour long and have a mixture of seated and standing exercises and is free to take part. Call Racheal on 07734 935 190 to book your place    Folklores, Fables and Traditional Foibles at Broxbourne Riverside Join our Ranger who’ll take you around the Broxbourne area of the Lee Valley, packed full of tales and traditions so you can get in touch with your folky side. Image: Jennifer Dickson-Katori Breathwork Introduction Workshop at Lee Valley White Water Centre Ever thought about tuning into your breathing to improve your mindfulness and wellbeing? There is a introduction session at Lee Valley White Water Centre, where Dr Nicola Stoke to learn the power of breath and how it can impact how you feel Good Friday Racing at Lee Valley VeloPark The great open event sees elite, club and development riders taking to the track for a thrilling day of track cycling action! You can get tickets to watch the action live here.   Make sure you share with us you great days out with use on Facebook ,  Twitter  and Instagram

Feels like Christmas was only yesterday! We know it's hard keeping the little ones busy during the holidays so here are some ideas to keep them active and get them outdoor as spring begins to drift its way it. Star Track Budding athletes aged 6 – 12 years ready to up their skills 13 – 16 February 09:00 – 15:00 £88 Lee Valley Athletics Centre   Junior Ice Skating Short Course Kids aged 5 – 15 years ready to take their first glide on the ice 12 – 16 February 11:00 – 11:30 £45 Lee Valley Ice Centre   Junior Paddlesport Development Courses Water lovers aged 8 – 16 years old ready to take their paddling skills to the next level Sundays 10:00 – 11:00 for four weeks From £96 Lee Valley White Water Centre BMX Thrills and MTB Skills Unleash their pedal power with this session for 7 – 11 year olds, explore two different cycling disciplines 15 February 11:00 – 15:00 £29 with £4 glove hire Lee Valley VeloPark   Budding tree lover!   The season is turning and the bare branches are giving way to beautiful new buds! You can take your little ones on an adventure to see what buds they can see appearing in the park. This great buds ID guide from Tree Guide UK  is perfect for identifying what you find. Here are some of the buds we found when walking around Dobbs Weir.   Stroll to find the sculptures There are amazing sculptures to find when exploring the park. From the nature inspired Glade at Fishers Green  to the stunning carved wooden benches at Tottenham Marshes . Bright eyed and bushy tailed birdwatching Waiting for wi ldlife to appear out of the hedgerow can be tiring for little birders, but the Wildlife Discovery Centre  has activities to keep them occupied! From listening to different birdsong, seeing a nest close up and looking at the view over the lake in the tower. There’s plenty to keep them busy while you wait for the birds to appear. See the spring blooms up close Snowdrops, daffodils, crocus to name but a few of the blooms you can see in their full glory at Myddelton House Gardens . This is a great place for the kids to explore seasonal sights and learn a bit of history with Ossie the Ostrich discovery pack.   Of course we still have our open space and walking routes  that will get the kids away from the screen and enjoying the outdoors – all we have to do is hope for dry weather!   Remember to share your trips to the park with us on Facebook ,  Twitter  and Instagram

The colder weather doesn’t stop wildlife from flitting from tree to tree, place to place and collecting winter bounty – don’t let it stop you from seeing all this action! But first our tips for enjoying the outdoors in the winter:   Wrap up warm – remember you can always take a layer off if you get too warm.  Take a hot drink in a reusable flask.   Binoculars make it easier to see the distinctive patterns of wildlife that might be that little bit out of sight.  ID books or sheets are great for making sure you know what you’re looking out for – you can download our kid friendly one here.     Here are some of the sights you might see along the waterways and lakes of the Lee Valley. 🏞️    Bittern ( Botaurus stellaris)   📍 Frequently spotted at the Wildlife Discovery Centre, Fishers Green   This is the park’s winter visitor everyone wants to see. Bittern start to arrive in the park from early autumn to feed and roost amongst the reedbeds. These birds are very secretive with their brown feathers and silent footwork so they can be hard to spot lurking amongst the reeds.    Goosander ( Mergus merganser )  📍 Regularly spotted on Ashley Lake in River Lee Country Park and along the River Lee Navigation and Flood Relief Channels  This stunning looking duck is usually resident in south-west England, Scotland and Wales, but moves to lakes and reservoirs for winter fishing. The males can be distinguished by their reflective green head and contrasting red beak, cream body with grey and black feathers lining their back. The females have a brown head with longer feathers towards the back – giving them a mullet looking hair style along with a grey body.     European Otter ( Lutra lutra )  📍 Signs such as droppings or 'spraints' along with footprints have been spotted throughout the Lee Valley   Although very rare to see active, our Biodiversity Team have seen signs of this mammal up and down the park. The best time to try and see this elusive nocturnal creature at is dusk and dawn, where you may catch them before they head back to their holt for a sleep.   Kingfisher ( Alcedo atthis)   📍 Spotted up and down the waterways of the park including at the WaterWorks nature reserve and Rye Meads  This striking cobalt and orange bird is resident in the park, but the clearer banks during the winter months make it easier to spot  amongst the branches. Keep an eye out for perches Kingfishers could land on, listen out for their shrill call and look close to the surface of the water to spot them as they fly by.     Not walking by water? Here are some small birds you might see amongst the branches. 🌳 Redwings  ( Turdus iliacus)  and Fieldfare ( Turdus pilaris)   📍 Sighted in Fishers Green   These birds are known as the winter thrushes and can often be spotted together in large flocks collecting berries from trees and hedgerows. The smallest of our thrushes, Redwing can be identified by the cream stripe above the eye and orange flanks while the larger Fieldfare has a distinctive blue-grey head and yellow beak.    Chaffinch ( Fringilla coelebs)   📍Spotted at Holyfield Hall Farm  These colourful characters can be seen in the park throughout the year with the males bright orange bodies and grey heads and the females subtle yellow and buff hues. In winter they may be found in mixed flocks with other finches such as Goldfinch and Brambling and can often be heard amongst the chorus of bird song due to their loud call.    Blue Tit ( Cyanistes caeruleus) 📍Sighted up and down the park These tiny birds are known for their aerial acrobatics from branch to branch. Their plumage is bright and bold so they’re easy to spot amongst the bare branches. You will see them in groups looking for food in the winter months.     Siskin ( Carduelis spinus) 📍 Winter visitor to the park and frequently spotted in River Lee Country Park     Though there are resident birds in the UK, the Lee Valley see the winter flock from Europe visit to feats of the seeds on often – even visiting bird feeders. You will often see them in groups over the winter months and will be able to spot them with their greeny-yellow tones and forked tail.   This is a great starting point for wildlife watching in the winter months and we hope you enjoy the open spaces during this time – remember to wrap up warm and share your wildlife sightings with us here .

Autumn has finally arrived in the park following the surprise hot spell we’ve had the last few weeks! Crisp mornings, foggy breath and found treasures are all on the cards this half term. You don’t need to look far for inspirational fun in the park, there are a range of events and activities that will keep the kids busy and some to get them in the spooky mood too! Get spooky 🎃 Pumpkin Trail Myddelton House Gardens 23 – 29 October, 10:00 – 16:00 FREE The pumpkins have taken over the gardens this half term! Count as many as you can and head back to the Bowles Tea Room to collect a sweet treat. Halloween Festival Lee Valley Animal Adventure Park 23 – 29 October, 10:00 – 17:00 From £16.99 Get dressed up and spend a day with spooky goings on at Lee Valley Animal Adventure Park, with live shows, spells lessons and creepy walks, there is something for all ages to enjoy. Halloween at Capel Manor Gardens Capel Manor Gardens 23 – 29 October, 10:00 – 16:00 From £11 Enjoy bewitching trails through the gardens, do your best Wednesday Addam’s dance moves at the disco and even pick up a pumpkin to take home* *Additional cost for pumpkin patch and carving Get crafty 🎨 Fallen treasure is all around us this time of year and it’s the perfect time to collect a bounty and get creative. Our Embrace Autumn pages have two great ideas to get you started: · Make your own wind chime · Make leaf bunting Let your imagination run wild and share your creations with us on social media – tag us on @LeeValleyPark Get autumnal 🍁 We have pages dedicated to all the best things you can do in the park throughout autumn. You can check them all out here Fancy winning a £30 gift voucher? Take a read of our Embrace Autumn page and have a go at the quiz to be in with a chance Get active 🏃🏻‍♀️ Star Track Lee Valley Athletics Centre 23 October - 25 October, 9:00 - 15:00 £78 Get your budding athlete sprinting with their best foot forward at a three day training camp. Covering a range of disciplines from hurdles and high jump, they’ll be ready to show off their skills in competition on the final day Learn to skate short courses Lee Valley Ice Centre 23 October - 27 October , 10:00 – 10:30 From £8.80 Check out this great short courses to get your kids confident on the ice – you never know they could be the next Torvill or Dean. BMX thrills and MTB Skills Lee Valley VeloPark Thursday 26 October, 11:00 - 15:00 From £29 Battle the berms and get the kids scaling the mountain bike trail with this great day! They will learn new skills and try two different cycling disciplines Want to see more of what’s on at our sports venues this half term? Check out the full line up here Get outdoors 🍂 Wildlife Discovery Centre FREE Daily, 10:00 – 16:00 Head to our wildlife hub to learn about what you can see in the park, enjoy the views over Seventy Acres Lake from the tower and see what you can spot from the hide – this is lots of fun for all the family Walking routes Various locations FREE We’ve a range of walking routes that are great for getting the kids away from screens and exploring nature around them. The Artworks Routes are perfect for the kids to find the sculptures along the way. Tree Park Cornmill Meadows, River Lee Country Park FREE The tree park is a great place to for find different types and colours of autumnal leaves, you could even try a bit of forest bathing – you can read more about the different colours of leaves you might see and you can find tips on forest bathing here We love seeing your adventures in the park – share them with us on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram don’t forget to tag us in your post

Cool canopies, leafy lean-tos and barky boarders are all being celebrated this #ForestWeek. We’re not classified as a forest but we have lots of wooded areas that are great to escape to enjoy the peace and tranquillity being around trees can bring. In this blog we’re going to list our top wooded areas, trees you might see and how to forest bathe. We’re more than just a park! When you think of Lee Valley Regional Park, you might think of wide open spaces, maybe maintained gardens and even action packed sporting activities, but did you know we’ve pockets of woodland scattered around the park? Here are the hotspots if you’re looking to hang about amongst the trees: Wet woodland at Gunpowder Park – What3Words ///deaf.noon.prime– follow the board walk and enjoy the surroundings of this sheltered habitat. Tree Park at Cornmill Meadows - What3Words ///life.wash.analogy– Walk until you find the central path with the marker stones at the end, these mark the Meridian Line and the Tree Park is along this path. Horseshoe Thicket at Walthamstow Marshes - What3Words ///duke.stands.cherry – follow the mazy paths through the willows and take a moment to gaze over the ponds. Spotting woodland wildlife There’s lot of different wildlife to see in the wooded area of the park. Ones to keep an eye out for are Great Spotted Woodpecker, Treecreeper, Speckled Wood Butterfly and Muntjac deer. Leaves of all different shapes and sizes There’s a variety of different trees in the park and as the leaves fall from the branches you can get a good look at their colour and shape! Here’s some great finds: English Oak Tree This tree is found throughout the park and leaves are known for their rounded lobes and wonderful brown colour in the autumn. English Elm These oval leaves can be identified by a toothed edge with a rough, hairy surface. As we head into the autumn you will notice the leaves turn a deep yellow. Hawthorn The small lobed leaves can create a rainbow of colours from red to orange and yellow with the addition of red berries in the later months of the year. You can see more leave you might spot in the park on Discover Wildlife’s article Try forest bathing in the park Being surrounded by trees and wildlife is a great way to boost your mindfulness and take time out of your day to pause and reflect. Here’s some steps to help you make the most of your surroundings: Find the quietest time to visit like morning and evenings – this will give you the peace and quiet you need to absorb what is around you Turn your phone on silent to avoid any distractions Do a range of different activities – walking, sitting down and breathing exercises are all great ways to take in the surroundings Stay as long as you feel like – it is recommended two hours but any length of time in the forest has been seen to have benefits See different ways to practice mindfulness in woodlands on Forestry England We hope you enjoy exploring our wooded areas during one of the most magical times of year to see them. We love seeing photos from your visits – make sure you share them of Facebook , Twitter and Instagram and tag us in your post.

Holidays can be hard juggling keeping the kids busy without breaking the bank! We have rounded up the best events and activities in the park and highlighted the free and low cost ones with our special icon so you can plan with peace of mind. Active August Disc Golf – FREE Just out the back of Lee Valley White Water Centre, you’ll find a nine hole Disc Golf course! This is completely free to use if you bring along your disc and download our scorecard (you can purchase discs at Lee Valley White Water Centre). Test out you Frisbee skills and enjoy this great activity. Explore by bike – FREE We have 14 bike friendly routes in different areas of our 26 mile long park and you can download the directions from our website. Our favourites for little legs are ArtWork Route 1 , exploring the different sculptures in River Lee Country Park and Golden Circle , covering Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and our new Lee Valley Ice Centre . Watersports There lots of places you can pick up a paddle in River Lee Country Park! Lee Valley White Water Centre have lake based fun for younger paddlers to get involved with and white water adventures for the older adrenalin seekers. ESSA Water Activity Centre are also running their very popular Multi-activity Days so you can try your hand at three different activities in one day. See all the watersports venues here . Summer Tennis Camp at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre are running five day long tennis summer camp ! This is a great way to hone in your skills and this years camp is inspired by the US Open so your little one can learn about scoring, rules and have mini competitions. Track Attack at Lee Valley VeloPark Get your teens and tweens into Track Cycling with this epic experience! This session is perfect if they’re seasoned cyclist or learning a new skill and they’ll get to have the thrill of climbing the banks of the velodrome. Looking for something for the younger kids? Check out their VeloBalance and PedalUp sessions Enjoy the natural world Wildlife Discovery Centre – FREE Hidden in our 1,000 acre River Lee Country Park, you’ll find the Wildlife Discovery Centre . It’s the perfect place to drop into when walking around the park and they have lots to see and do for the little ones. From testing out the activities in the Discovery Room to climbing the stairs to see the view of Seventy Acre Lake and watching what you can see in the hide! Our team of volunteers will be on hand to help you identify what you see and they even have some activity sheets to take away with you! Activity sheets – FREE Exploring the park and want to keep the kids busy? We have two free download on our website that you can take with you. The ‘I Spy’ sheet is great for seeing what your kids can spot while out and about in the park and the ‘Outdoor Fun’ sheet will let their imaginations go wild from natural art to scavenger hunts. Trails in the park – FREE We have lots of wildlife in the park and there some great trails that can help you discover them from Otters to waterbirds! Fancy something artistic? Check out the Artworks trails with three different routes and sculptures to discover. Events in the park Rye House Gatehouse – FREE (optional donation) Packed full of history, you can visit one of the oldest brick built houses in England and learn about its long history from plots of treason to ghostly tales. Take a picnic with you and enjoy the greens around this great house. The Line Guided tours – FREE - 12, 19, 26 August and 9 September Follow The Line with a knowledgeable volunteer to find all the different artworks and the story behind them. Book your space today Picnic spots Summer is the perfect time to take lunch outside and we’ve listed some of our top picnic spots! Fishers Green in River Lee Country Park Waltham Abbey Gardens Tottenham Marshes Walthamstow Marshes Three Mills Green Time for an adventure! Used to visiting the same part of the park? Take a trip of somewhere new or discover places you didn’t know existing in your normal patch with our Lee Valley Hubs! Click on the list below to discover more: River Lee Country Park Lea Bridge Road Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park We love the park and we know you do to! Take a read of our Enjoying the park page so you can play your part in caring for the park you love.