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< Back Rivers and Lakes Discovery Day Venue: River Lee Country Park (Fishers Green) Available: all year Key subjects: Science, Geography Suitable for: KS2 Teacher’s guide available > Prices > Our health and safety commitment > Contact us Session covers: Working scientifically observing living things and their habitats; record findings using labelled diagrams, tables and graphs; geographical skills using fieldwork to observe, measure and present the human and physical features in the local area using a range of methods, self-learning and exploration. In this unique session compare and contrast natural and manmade features of the meandering River Lea, the straight River Lee Navigation and lakes created from gravel extraction. Students discuss and record geographical features, waterbirds species present, complete field sketches and discuss flow rates of the three waterways. NEW session now includes a visit to the Wildlife Discovery Centre.

Honorary Warden for Hall Marsh Scrape Department: Location: Working with: Time: Rangers service Hooks Marsh, Fishers Green Lane,Waltham Abbey, Essex EN9 2ED Ranger Team North Flexible, no minimum time commitment Purpose Help promote the park and provide information to the public, ensuring visitors safe use and enjoyment of the park. As part of a team of volunteers, you will be the Regional Park's eyes and ears. Details of role To assist with patrol, monitoring and management of wildlife habitats and species consistent with the park’s Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP). To assist the ranger serivce with monitoring and managing the safety and integrity of the Park’s natural and built areas. To report to rangers any issues, defects or problems, issues with locking/unlocking of park facilities and issues associated with infrastructure maintenance, security and safety. To inform the ranger service or Senior Responsible Officer of any on-site emergencies, including breaking of Park Byelaws. To act as on-site wardens and ambassadors providing general on-site assistance to park users. To assist with liaison with local community user groups and consultation initiatives. Personal attributes Should be of an active nature. Should have a friendly and approachable manner. Should have a good knowledge of the park. Have a basic knowledge of flora and fauna. Knowledge and experience of conservation management is helpful, but not necessary. What's in it for you An opportunity to gain experience of ranger work. An opportunity to develop knowledge about birds and wildlife. An opportunity to keep fit, healthy and active. General To carry out tasks in line with the Authority’s policies and procedures including: The Authority’s Health and Safety Policy The Authority’s Volunteer Policy Volunteer induction pack rules and regulations Undertake induction, training, and development consistent with your role. See more >

Fishers Green Foray Distance: 12 miles Terrain: tarmac and gravel paths. This route involves crossing sections of road Starting point: River Lee Country Park, Fishers Green car park, Stubbins Hall Lane, Crooked Mile, Waltham Abbey EN9 2EF (height barrier) Total elevation gain: 220ft Cycling time *: 1 hour 12 minutes Calories burnt *: around 430 calories Download route map > GPX route file available > At at glance information for this route Dog friendly Parking available Refreshments available Route - cycling Route - running Route - walking Toilets available This route takes you around the outer edges of the 1,000 acre River Lee Country Park and shows the diverse areas that make Lee Valley Regional Park simply unique in the area. From how we manage our farmlands, to the wildlife that makes the area its home and the historical significance of the area during WWII - this ride will touch on it all. One of the longer rides in our collection of routes but with plenty of stopping points if you need to take a break, it’s not a race just an idyllic place to pedal away the time. Along the route you’ll find… The Glade Sculpture Before you embark on your ride take a quick look at one example of the sculptures that you’ll find in River Lee Country Park. The skilful blending of metal and wood forms the basis of this fantastic sculpture which represents the hidden world of the minibeast. From the tall flower protecting the ant to the smaller flora that grows closer to the ground, all these make up the minibeast’s habitat. WWII remnants All throughout the park there are reminders of the importance of the area during the war. You’ll see the remains of a pill box in the field, just one of the many that were dotted around the area. As you climb the hill from the farm towards Nazeing you’ll notice how high you are and the views that you’ll see. This was a location of search light battery whose lights roamed the skies looking for enemy fighters as they approached London. The River Lee acted like a set of landing lights for the enemy bombers and they’d follow it all the way in and out of London. Clayton Hill With a pond at its heart this open space is a great area to stop and catch your breath. See what lurks in the ponds and make friends with the ducks who make this area their home. Glasshouses The Lee Valley is renowned for its acres of glasshouses that can be seen shimmering in the sunlight and is often described as the cucumber capital of England! 80 million of them are grown in the area each year along with 50 million sweet peppers, tomatoes, aubergines and varieties of lettuce. Much of this produce is sold in the major supermarkets throughout the country and it’s said that the rare chalk stream filtration of the Lee Valley’s water adds a sweeter taste to the produce. Broxbourne Old Mill & Meadows This site is steeped in history and was listed in the Domesday Book of 1086. Over the years, as you can imagine, the site has changed a lot and following a devastating fire in 1949 there’s now little left of the mill apart from a section of 16th century floor. However the area still bustles with life, whether it’s on the pathways or the river that runs through it. Silvermeade This area is a network of ditches, pools and reedbeds and is home to a colony of Water Vole, an endangered and protected species in the UK. The charismatic creatures live above and below ground and even have entrances to their tunnels below the waterline. As well as the Water Vole the site is also excellent for dragonflies and in the summer months cattle can be seen grazing the fields acting as our lawnmowers. Plants that thrive in these damp meadow conditions are the Cuckooflower and the striking pink Ragged Robin that nestle amongst the grasses and sedge. The long grass next to the water’s edge is a great place for Grass Snake to live who often hunt their prey along the edges, and they’re not afraid to take dip in the water either. Lee Valley White Water Centre White water rapids on the edge of London you’d never have thought it. But following the London 2012 Games that exactly what we’ve got! This fantastic venue offers rafting, canoeing, hydrospeeding and hot dog kayak sessions – everything that will ensure you get wet and have fun. The site has a licensed café so makes a great refuelling point during your ride, take it easy and watch others take on the rapids. Gravel pits River Lee Country Park never used to look like this and is the result of man’s intervention. The deposits of sand and gravel, which were left by ice sheets as they retreated at the end of the last ice age, were highly valuable to the construction industry. After extraction of the gravel, pits were either in-filled using landfill or left to fill with water providing the network if lakes that you’ll see as you cycle along. These lakes form a Site of Special Scientific Interest in River Lee Country Park and are part of the Lee Valley Special Protection Area, recognising their national and international importance for wildfowl. Hall Marsh Scrapes This area is a prime example of the habitat that has been created as a result of the regeneration following the industrial past of the area. As a section of floodplain grasslands this is a great place to spot Little Egret, Lapwing and other wading birds. On the other side of the water you’ll see a fence, behind this fences lies the 170 acre Royal Gunpowder Mills. Used for the production of explosives from the 17th century right through until it ceased operations in 1991. Water was crucial to the both manufacturing process and the transport of explosives and the site has its own manmade canal network which is fed from the River Lee. During WWII the site didn’t expand its output very much as the site was too easy for enemy bombers locate. The site has played a huge part in the countries wartime history over the years, to find out more visit their website royalgunpowdermills.co.uk Hooks Marsh As you wind your way along the river watch out for signs of the secretive Otter. Living along this stretch they can sometimes be seen swimming in the waters or you may even spot signs that they’ve been there. Information panels along the route will help you know what to look for and tell you more about this great creature. Fishers Green An area of great beauty Seventy Acres Lake offers a snapshot of the wildlife that you’ll find throughout the area. A viewing platform near the waters’ edge allows you to get close up views of the waterbirds on the lake. If you want to have a closer look our Wildlife Discovery Centre, staffed by volunteers, is open throughout the year and allows you to see out across the lake at the less obvious wildlife. Our knowledgeable volunteers will guide you and tell you who’s who in the wildlife world. Live wildlife cameras look out over the lake throughout the year providing a close up look at the changing wildlife through the seasons such as wintering Bitterns and Common Terns throughout the summer breeding season. Alternative starting points Clayton Hill – EN9 2HX (height barrier) Broxbourne Old Mill and Meadows - EN10 6LX (height barrier) River Lee Country Park (Pindar) car park – EN8 9 AJ (height barrier) Lee Valley White Water Centre – EN9 1AB Hooks Marsh – EN9 2ED (height barrier) Toilets Fishers Green car park Broxbourne Old Mill and Meadows Lee Valley White Water Centre Refreshments Broxbourne Old Mill and Meadows Lee Valley White Water Centre Wildlife Discovery Centre Things to note Public transport links: The closest station is Cheshunt – join the route at Pindar car park alternative starting point. Broxbourne station is close to the route, if using this station join the rout at Broxbourne Old Mill and Meadows car park Buses run to Cheshunt and Broxbourne stations as well as along the road to Lee Valley White Water Centre Car parking charges apply at all the car parks listed for this route You can ride these routes on any type of bike but the best ones to use would be either a mountain or hybrid bike. Please cycle responsibly in the park, for more information check our cyclists code of conduct. * Cycling time and calories burnt are calculated using a cycling speed of 10mph and a weight of 10 stone Previous Next

Garden volunteers Department: Location: Working with: Time: Myddelton House Gardens Myddelton House Gardens, Bulls Cross, Enfield, EN2 9HG Gardens team Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays from 10:00 - 13:00 you can attend once or as many times as you like Purpose To assist with the maintenance and developments of the historic Myddelton House Gardens. Details of role To assist the Gardening Team in maintaining and developing Myddelton House Gardens. Carry out a range of gardening duties including weeding, pruning, planting Personal attributes Keen interest in gardening. Knowledge of plants and gardens. What's in it for you An opportunity to gain experience of practical conservation tasks An opportunity to develop knowledge about birds and wildlife An opportunity to meet new people and have fun An opportunity to keep fit, healthy and active Explore new places within the park General To carry out tasks in line with the Authority’s policies and procedures including: The Authority’s Health and Safety Policy The Authority’s Volunteer Policy Volunteer induction pack rules and regulations Undertake induction and training and development consistent with your role. See more >

< Back to What's On Lifewalk - Lee Valley Ice Centre Join our team for these great walks to improve you health and wellbeing Date: 15 April Time: 11:00 FREE Lee Valley Ice Centre Location: Email the team > Routes range from 1.5 miles to 3 miles in length. Each walk includes a designated front and back leader, enabling participants to walk at their preferred pace. While we encourage a pace that is slightly brisker than your usual walking speed, participants are welcome to proceed at their comfort level. These walks are social and support a healthy, active lifestyle. Cost: FREE On the day: a register will be taken at the start of each walk. Please arrive a few minutes early to ensure no delays. Parking at Lee Valley Ice Centre is free and you’ll need to input your car registration upon arrival. Please check our website for all other open space To sign up and receive the monthly schedule please email activation@leevalleypark.org.uk Previous Next

< Back to What's On Food Growers Join our women-only Food Growing sessions every Sunday and get ready for the spring/summer growing season! Date: 29 April Time:11:00 - 15:00 FREE Cody Dock Location: Book your space > Join our women-only Food Growing sessions every Sunday and get ready for the spring/summer growing season! It's the perfect time to start seedlings and transplant them into our urban garden's planters. Help us create a beautiful and sustainable vegetable garden inspired by nature, with the goal of growing enough produce to share with the community. These sessions offer a chance to learn about companion planting, crop rotation, and sustainable gardening practices, including permaculture. We also explore ways to introduce biodiversity to the garden. Beyond gardening, we incorporate crafting and making activities, such as small repairs, painting, or making signs, so you can get creative and sustainable with us. Join us and gain a deeper understanding of gardening while contributing to a greener community! Previous Next

< Back Restoration Work Restoration Work Artist Name 00:00 / 01:34 Narrator: Near the potting shed door you can see a brick inscribed with the date, 1859, and the initials of an early head gardener, George Hyde. In 2009, Heritage Lottery funding paid for restoration work on the potting shed, a Peach House and the cold frames that once stood here. It was while they were carrying out research for this project that members of the E A Bowles of Myddelton House Society discovered the original drawings for the trellis panels on the nearby wall. Bryan Hewitt explains: Bryan Hewitt: There was not much left of the trellis at all, but the brick columns were still there and they were covered in a canopy of an old rose and an Akebia quinata from Japan, a climber, which had sort of crushed it and covered it over. And all this area was cleared and for a time we had these five stark red brick pillars with nice capping stones on and that was all. And in Mr Bowles’ scrapbook was found the plan that he’d drawn up himself of the beautiful design of the trellis as he had it in his time. Narrator The Society funded their restoration to these original designs. The potting shed has been faithfully restored and now houses the gardening team’s rest room, a viewable potting area and an archive room.

Sensory Walk - Waltham Abbey Gardens Distance: 0.5 miles Terrain: the walks are fully accessible and can be completed on foot, using a wheelchair or walker, and can be taken at the pace of the participant Starting point: Waltham Abbey Gardens car park, Abbey View, Waltham Abbey, Essex EN9 2ES Download route information > At at glance information for this route Accessible Parking available Public transport closeby Route - cycling Route - running Route - walking Toilets available A circular route that takes in the wonderful area surround the Abbey which offers rich mix of sensory highlights from nature to stone structures. Download the route information which contains a map and all the sensory highlight information given below. Sensory highlight points As you enter the gardens what flowers, plants trees can you see? Shapes, colours, small or big? Touch the different textures of leaves. Can you spot and smell the lavender flowers. Listen out for the different birds sounds. Can you spot the artwork on the wall? What colours can you see? How does it feel? Look out for the different tree shapes, touch the tree barks to find different textures. Spot Waltham abbey and describe the shape of the building. Listen out for the chiming of bells. Can you spot mosaics on the path, what colours can you sport? Feel the different textures Touch the building to find out if it is smooth or rough feeling? Notice the wind rustling through the trees. Can you hear running water? Can you see anything reflecting in the water? Perhaps close your eyes and notice and feelings or memories that the sounds bring up for you. Look out for variety of birds on the water. Take a moment to feed ducks. Look up at the overhanging branches and reach to touch them. Notice how the leaves feel underfoot – dry, wet, crunchy, soft? Walk past the tress and feel the different textures of bark on different trunks. Compare the shapes, colours and sizes of leaves. Toilets Waltham Abbey Town, opposite church – 1 minute from route Refreshments Waltham Abbey town centre Things to note Public transport links: The closest station is Waltham Cross Buses run to Waltham Abbey town centre Car parking charges apply at the car park listed for this route Previous Next

Lakes of the River Lee Distance: 7.5 miles Terrain: A mixture of surfaced pathways, towpath and grass pathways, several bridges (one with steep incline) and several walk-around and kissing gates Starting point: River Lee Country Park, Fishers Green car park, Stubbins Hall Lane, Crooked Mile, Waltham Abbey, Essex EN9 2EF Download route narrative > At at glance information for this route Accessible Dog friendly Great for picnics Parking available Public transport closeby Refreshments available Route - cycling Route - running Route - walking Toilets available A scenic circular route taking in the sculpture and natural play pieces within the River Lee Country Park. The route heads north from Fishers Green car park adjacent to Seventy Acres Lake and the Relief Channel. It turns east then south just north of Seventy Acres Lake, meeting up with Cheshunt Country Walk cutting east at Cadmore Lane to Hooks Marsh car park finishing back at Fishers Green. Directions From the car park cross over the road and go through the staggered wooden gates, follow the pathway pass the picnic benches and cross the Flood Relief Channel via the green bridge. (Lee Valley Animals Adventure Park is a short detour from the route - proceed past the front of the toilets and take the first right turn and continue along the pathway to the site’s car park) Turn left and proceed through the walk-around and head south along the pathway, keeping Seventy Acres Lake on the right and the Old River Lea on the left Proceed through the walk-around gate, into Hooks Marsh car park Continue towards and around the metal field gate opposite, onto Waltons Walk, heading in a south direction, keeping the river on your left Continue past Hooks Marsh Lake, the Dave Stocker Sluices on the left and Hall Marsh Scrape on the right At the south end of Hall Marsh Scrape, turn right following the pathway Turn left signposted Highbridge, crossing the large wooden bridge and proceed through the kissing gate Continue along the pathway across the Showground to the bridge Proceed through the kissing gate, crossing the bridge over the River Lee Navigation Turn right, down the slope Proceed along the surfaced path, across the wooden bridge over the Small River Lea and continue west, bearing to the right at the pathway junction Proceed north, keeping Bowyers Water on the left At the pathway junction, bear to the left and continue north through Thistly Marsh Turn left along the gravel path, bearing right onto the access road continuing north with the railway line on the left Proceed around the gate and turn left onto the road At the railway crossing, proceed over the road into Cheshunt Country Walk car park (alternative starting point Pindar and Cheshunt Country Walk car parks) Exit the car park through the walk-around and follow the surfaced path, keeping left, alongside the railway line Continue north along the pathway (North Metropolitan viewing area is a short detour from the route – turn right at the signposted crossroads. The viewing area is located on the other side of the bridge) and over the red brick bridge, crossing the Small River Lea Turn left at the end of the bridge and proceed north between the river and North Metropolitan Lake , passing Nightingale Wood on the right Turn left across the small bridge, crossing the Small River Lea, heading towards the railway bridge (alternative starting point Turnford Brook car park) Turn right at the bridge and continue north along the surfaced pathway alongside the railway line Remain on the surfaced path, bearing to the right and proceed north alongside Ashley Lake on the right At the top of the lake, remain on the surfaced pathway, continuing in a northerly direction Continue over Slipe Lane crossroads proceeding north to Wharf Road Proceed through the walk-around to the road Turn right along the pavement to Wharf Road car park and proceed onto the towpath Turn right onto the towpath and follow the River Lee Navigation south, passing Aqueduct Lock Proceed under the bridge and continue south to Cheshunt Lock Proceed over Cheshunt Lock and follow the pathway to Seventy Acres Lake Turn left and continue north around the lake Turn right at the Old River Lea and continue south, following the river on the left and passing Seventy Acres Lake on the right Continue past the Wildlife Discovery Centre , on reaching the green bridge, turn right crossing the Flood Relief Channel, follow this pathway to the car park through the staggered wooden gates Alternative car parks and starting points River Lee Country Park,Turnford Brook car park, Turnford, Hertfordshire EN8 0LU River Lee Country Park, Pindar and Cheshunt Country Walk car parks, Windmill Lane, Cheshunt, Hertfordshire EN8 9AJ Toilets Fishers Green car park Lee Valley Animal Adventure Park – 5 minutes from route Refreshments Wildlife Discovery Centre Lee Valley Animal Adventure Park – 5 minutes from route Things to note Public transport links: The closest station is Cheshunt – join the route at the Cheshunt Country Walk car park starting point Buses run to Cheshunt station Car parking charges apply at all the car parks listed for this route Previous Next

Winged Wonders Distance: 2 miles Terrain: surfaced and grass pathways (some of which are narrow and uneven) and several bridges, one with a steep incline Starting point: River Lee Country Park, Hooks Marsh car park, Fishers Green Lane, Crooked Mile, Waltham Abbey EN9 2ED Download route narrative > At at glance information for this route Dog friendly Parking available Route - running Route - walking A circular walk taking in a variety of wildlife habitats. Discover a wealth of wildlife including dragonflies, waders and wildfowl. The route travels along the west side of Hooks Marsh Lake and Hall Marsh Scrape, returning along Walton’s Walk. Directions Exit Hooks Marsh car park, from the western end through the bollards towards the green high bridge Proceed over this bridge and continue passing between Seventy Acres Lake on the right and Hooks Marsh Lake on the left Turn left, on the north-west edge of Hooks Marsh Lake Continue south on this unmade path along the western edge of Hooks Marsh Lake with Hall Marsh Ditch on the right At the southern end, cross over a small wooden bridge and turn right at the pathway junction Continue along the pathway, passing the Plover Viewing Screen overlooking Hall Marsh Scrape, along the southern end of Friday Lake Bear to the left, heading south with Hall Marsh Scrape on the left Continue south, passing the entrance path on the left (Snipe Hide is a short diversion along this pathway) Proceed on the main path, turning left, opposite the Flood Relief Channel Proceed north along the pathway back to Hooks Marsh car park Things to note Public transport links to the starting point at Hooks Marsh are limited Car parking charges apply at Hooks Marsh car park Previous Next

Rammey Ramble Distance: 1 mile Terrain: grass pathways only with one walk-around gate Starting point: Rammey Marsh car park, Ordnance Road, Enfield, Middlesex EN3 6JN Download route narrative > At at glance information for this route Accessible Parking available Public transport closeby Route - running Route - walking A circular route that explores the Bee Orchids of Rammey Marsh. Directions Proceed onto the Marsh through the walk-around gate Continue straight across the park to the grass pathway on the left Follow the pathway, continuing north Bear to the right alongside the ditch Turn left up a small incline, leading to the wildflower meadow and Bee Orchids Retrace the route back to the pathway junction, and continue south, with the River Lee Navigation on your left, returning to the car park over the park area Things to note Public transport links: The closest station is Enfield Lock Buses run along Ordnance Road and Mollison Avenue Plan your journey with Transport for London There are currently no car parking charges at Rammey Marsh car park The site is within the Ultra Low Emissions Zone Previous Next

Details of our safety and wellbeing commitment for everyone taking part in our outdoor learning programmes Learning and Engagement's health and safety commitment At Lee Valley Regional Park Authority, the safety and wellbeing of everyone taking part in our outdoor learning programmes is our highest priority. We're committed to providing safe, enjoyable, and inclusive experiences that allow all participants to learn, grow, and explore in a secure environment. Compliance with law and best practice We follow all relevant UK health and safety legislation, including the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. We meet or exceed the standards set by industry bodies such as the Institute for Outdoor Learning (IOL) and we hold the Learning Outside the Classroom Quality Badge Accreditation. Risk management All activities are planned, risk assessed and led by suitably qualified and experienced staff. Dynamic risk assessments are carried out on-site to adapt to changing conditions. We ensure that activities are suitable for the age, ability, and needs of all participants with all relevant medical conditions, disabilities and any special educational needs obtained in advance to ensure we can prepare adequately. Qualified staff and training All lead officers hold appropriate qualifications, first aid certifications and DBS checks. Staff also regularly receive online and in person training relevant to their role, including safeguarding and emergency first aid. All officers are Accredited Practitioners of the Institute for Outdoor Learning and Forest School trained. Equipment safety All equipment is fit for purpose, regularly inspected and maintained in line with manufacturer guidance and national standards. Emergency preparedness We maintain clear emergency procedures for all venues and activities. First aid kits, communication devices and trained responders are available at all sessions. Continuous improvement We review and update our safety procedures regularly, learning from feedback, near misses and industry developments. We're also audited periodically by an approved external health and safety provider, further demonstrating our commitment to health and safety. By embedding health and safety into everything we do, we create a safe and supportive environment where outdoor learning can inspire confidence, build resilience, and foster a lifelong connection with nature.