Woodberry Wetlands, main entrance via New River Path, Lordship Road, London N16 5HQ. The supplied East Reservoir pin is at 56 Fairholt Road, N16 5HN
Woodberry Wetlands (formerly Stoke Newington East Reservoir)
Mixed-habitat reserve
Place photograph
6.8
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
Free
Cost
Peaceful
Feel
Why it's Wildland
6.8Once known as Stoke Newington East Reservoir, this Thames Water site became Woodberry Wetlands: an 11-hectare reed-fringed landscape opened to the public in 2016 after a wildlife-focused transformation.
A nature reserve in densely built-up Hackney, where reed-fringed ponds and dykes offer a distinctive wetland experience within London. Its documented accessible main path, visitor facilities and birdwatching focus make it more than a scenic reservoir viewpoint.
Peaceful · Wildlife-rich
Find your way
Open mapWoodberry Wetlands, main entrance via New River Path, Lordship Road, London N16 5HQ. The supplied East Reservoir pin is at 56 Fairholt Road, N16 5HN
Opening map…
Know this place a little better?
The experience
Allow around 1–2 hours for a visit focused on the reserve’s reed-fringed ponds and dykes, birdwatching and the main accessible path. The supplied source does not establish a particular circular route or route distance.
Things to do
Follow the accessible main path
The level main path leads from the main entrance to the Coal House and on to the New River Studio; seating is provided at various points.
Watch for birds
Birdwatching is a stated visitor activity at Woodberry Wetlands. The reserve is also tagged by its operator for spring migrant birds.
Notice the wetland habitats
Look across the reed-fringed ponds and dykes, and notice the reserve’s grassland and hedgerows.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · About 1–2 hours; suggested, not a published visit duration.
Quick wetland visit
- 01
Enter via the main entrance on New River Path, Lordship Road.
- 02
Follow the main wheelchair-accessible path towards the Coal House and New River Studio.
- 03
Pause to look across the reed-fringed ponds and dykes, and watch for birds.
Half day · Half day; suggested, not a published itinerary.
Make a half day of the reserve
- 01
Check the reserve’s current opening times before setting out.
- 02
Spend time on the main accessible path and use the seating provided along the route.
- 03
Allow unhurried time for birdwatching and to notice the reedbeds, grassland and hedgerows.
- 04
Check the on-site visitor centre, shop and cafe/refreshments availability with the reserve before relying on them.
Verified history
The reserve site was previously known as Stoke Newington East Reservoir. London Wildlife Trust says Woodberry Wetlands opened in 2016, after the Trust proposed enhancing the reservoir for wildlife and opening it to the public. The site is owned by Thames Water and managed by London Wildlife Trust.
Hidden details
A reservoir with a changed purpose — The site’s earlier identity as Stoke Newington East Reservoir is part of its documented story: it was later enhanced for wildlife and opened to the public as Woodberry Wetlands.
Look beyond the reeds — The reserve’s habitat description also includes grassland and hedgerows, alongside its reedbeds, ponds and dykes.
When to go
March · April · May · June · July · August · September · October · November · No particular time of day is recommended in the supplied source.
London Wildlife Trust lists March to November as the best time to visit. The source identifies spring migrant birds but gives no precise peak dates.
Check conditions before visiting; specific weather advice is not provided in the supplied source.
What to look for
Look for the contrast between open water, reed-fringed ponds and dykes. The supplied source also describes grassland and hedgerows, and notes that wildlife monitoring and surveys take place.
The story
Reservoir transformed into a public nature reserve; opened in 2016.
Best time to go
March–November, according to London Wildlife Trust.
London Wildlife Trust recommends March to November. Its published seasonal opening hours vary: October–March, 9:30am–4pm; April–September, 9:30am–5pm. Check current details before visiting.
How long to spend
1–2 hours
Perfect for
Wildlife lovers · Walkers · Families · Young children
Before you go
Address
Website
Listed hours
- Monday: 9:30am-4pm
- Tuesday: 9:30am-4pm
- Wednesday: 9:30am-4pm
- Thursday: 9:30am-4pm
- Friday: 9:30am-4pm
- Saturday: 9:30am-4pm
- Sunday: 9:30am-4pm
Check before visiting.
Practical information
Opening & access
London Wildlife Trust describes Woodberry Wetlands as free and accessible to everyone. The main entrance is via New River Path, Lordship Road. Check the official visitor information before travelling for current details.
Check before visiting
Parking
Disabled parking bays are available outside each entrance, according to London Wildlife Trust. Other parking details: Check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Toilets
Toilets and an accessible toilet are listed by London Wildlife Trust.
Food & drink
Cafe/refreshments are listed by London Wildlife Trust.
Dogs
Assistance dogs only, according to London Wildlife Trust.
Accessibility
The reserve has level access and no steep gradients on the main wheelchair-accessible path from the main entrance to the Coal House and New River Studio. Seating is provided along the route. Check the official site for current access information.
Check before visiting
Cost
Free
Water
Ponds and dykes; swimming and paddling permission are not established by the supplied evidence.
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Woodberry Wetlands (formerly Stoke Newington East Reservoir)
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
