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Woodberry Wetlands

Among the tower blocks of Hackney, you’ll find one of London’s hidden natural gems. Lose yourself in 11 hectares of reed-fringed ponds, loved equally by wildlife and the people that come to visit.

  • A wildlife oasis in the heart of London
  • The reservoir was built in 1833
  • The reserve was opened by Sir David Attenborough in 2016
  • Grade II listed Coal House Café has recently been restored to its original 1833 style 
  • The wetlands are home to the UK’s largest species of bat
  • Woodberry Wetlands is managed in partnership with the London Wildlife Trust

A banner showing live wild with thames in white on a blue background with a view of the water.

What to see

You’ll be astonished what you can discover just five minutes’ walk from the built-up areas of Manor House, Stoke Newington and Woodberry Down. You might find yourself wondering if you’ve somehow wandered into another world entirely!

The reserve welcomes five species of warbler, as well as siskins, fieldfares, swallows, house martins and more. May and June bring butterflies and moths – stop to watch skippers, holly blues, purple hairstreaks and common blues dance among the wildflower meadow. You might be lucky enough to spot an arctic tern enjoying a spot of fishing. 

A duck in the water, a butterfly on a yellow flower, a clear view of the lake, and a bird on a fencepost.

Things to do

Soak up London history
The reservoir was built in 1833, but had little public access until 2016, so Woodberry became a haven for wildlife. The 600 year old New River, (actually an aqueduct) ends here.

Take a break in special surroundings
The Coal House Café is a Grade II listed building, restored to its original style, boasting a rooftop patio, garden and waterside terrace.

Get stuck into serious family fun
If you and your family want to learn more about the wildlife around you, come visit Woodberry Wetlands for Wonderful Wildlife Weekends.

A montage showing a bird under its wing, a view of the lake with buildings in the background, a bird swooping over the lake and people working on the edge of the lake.

Good to know

  • Opening times: 9am – 4.30pm
  • Guide and assistance dogs only
  • Wheelchair-accessible: level access into the reserve, with no steep gradients
  • Drinks and refreshments available at the Coal House Café
  • The best time to visit is between March and November
  • Entrance to the reserve is free

How to find us



Woodberry Wetlands side entrance, Bethune Road, London, N16 5HQ