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Great days out on your doorstep

Our nature reserves, wetlands, and reservoirs offer refuge to all kinds of wildlife. They’re the perfect place to take a deep breath of fresh air and get lost in nature.

At some locations, there’s also the chance to try your hand at sailing, paddle boarding, angling and windsurfing.

Many of our sites offer rich heritage and a chance to make a difference, get involved with volunteering activities or join as a member.

Live wild with thames written in text on the left on a blue background with white boot prints and a man and woman in a field of tall grass and plants in bright sunshine on the right.

Nature reserves

See, hear and feel the wonders of the natural world at our wildlife havens. From mini-beasts to the UK’s biggest bat, from circling buzzards to a chorus of reed warblers – time spent in nature can give us all a new lease of life.

Green trees and bushes behind a small lake with reeds and plants in the water.

Discover Kempton Nature Reserve

Find your wild and unwind at this 50-acre wetland oasis, a slice of paradise not far from the city.

Kickback at Kempton

Trees and water visible through the window of a bird hide with a book open on the ledge in front of the window.

Explore Hogsmill Nature Reserve

Peek out from a secret bird hide to spot swooping falcons, then be mesmerised by life on the lagoon.

Hideout at Hogsmill

A woman wearing a rucksack walking along a path through green plants and bushes with the sun shining.

Visit Beckton Nature Reserve

Small but beautifully formed Beckton is bustling with wildlife, smiles guaranteed with every visit.

Be amazed at Beckton

A brown horse behind a wooden fence in a green field with trees in the background.

Refresh at Crossness Nature Reserve

Shh! Some of Britain’s shyest creatures live here and all kinds of rare creatures make it their home.

Get close at Crossness

The sun setting over water with a small jetty in the middle and the bank in the foreground.

Try more at Farmoor Reservoir

Billed as a dream destination for anglers and sailors, it’s a mecca for migrating birds, too.

Have fun at Farmoor

Wetlands

Visit one of our wetlands and you’ll wander into a whole new world of wild – each an oasis of nature, intertwined with the history and development of London’s water supply.

Tall office blocks can be seen in the background with water and green reeds in front under a blue sky.

Discover Woodberry Wetlands

A natural gem, nestling in Hackney. Who says you can’t lose yourself in nature in London?

Go wild at Woodberry

A child with blonde hair in a stripy jumper and wellies walks past a puddle in the path with other people in the distance.

Explore Walthamstow Wetlands

Award-winning with no less than ten reservoirs, Walthamstow is not just a day out, it’s a dream location.

Wonder at Walthamstow

Fisheries

Pitch up at some of the UK’s favourite fishing spots, all year-round. Fish from bank or boat and try your hand at landing a world-class whopper.

A man wearing a cap and sunglasses holding a large fish next to water with a fishing rod on the sloping bank.

Discover Farmoor Fishery

Tastier trout and 40-pound pike await your fishing skills at Farmoor. Visit for the day or sign up for the season.

Fish at Farmoor

A body of water with a wooden platform in the middle and trees in the distance under a cloudy sky.

Explore Walthamstow Fishery

You’ll love London’s largest fishery with course and fly fishing across 10 reservoirs. Beginners can get a taste and experts can be tested.

Wade in at Walthamstow

Heritage sites

This isn’t any old history. We’re talking mind-blowing Victorian marvels, awe-inspiring engines and 400-year-old aqueducts. So, dust off your time machine and get hands on with the heritage that makes us who we are today.

People looking at a large green industrial machine with a large wheel visible in the middle.

Discover heritage at our partner sites

A revolutionary pumping station, steam engines and walk-through sewers are just a few of the experiences bringing the past to life.

History, here I come

An illustration of bird footprints in blue on a white background.

Where can I go?

You can find amazing nature reserves, reservoirs and heritage sites managed by us and our partners all across our region.