Walthamstow Wetlands – Europe’s Biggest Urban Wetland Nature Reserve Opens

Last month saw the official opening of Walthamstow Wetlands to the wider public for the first time in 150 years, Ramboll Environ, Inc. said in their latest announcement. 

The Walthamstow Wetlands operational partnership – Waltham Forest Council, Thames Water and London Wildlife Trust – co-hosted the launch event last week.

Plans have been underway since 2012 to transform the site into a wildlife-rich reserve and rural escape for residents and visitors. As of 20th October, the spot with foot paths and cycle tracks twisting in and out of the fully operational reservoirs is now open to the public, Ramboll said.

Ramboll was employed by the London Borough of Waltham Forest to provide environmental, hydrological, engineering and geotechnical services for the development of the reserve’s new reed beds.

“We prepared a hydrological and geotechnical design together with a dredging specification to make way for the new wetland area whilst allowing for the continuous supply of London’s potable water,” the company stated.

“We reviewed specialist ecological survey data, prepared a draft design of reed bed planting plots (including reed stock, species mix and plant specifications) and prepared biosecurity notes to evaluate the presence of invasive species on or around the site during the reed bed creation works.”

Ramboll also supported the client with the completion of the final design for tender, prepared ecological specifications for contractors tendering for the project and provided a Clerk of Works for the construction process.

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