Woodberry Wetlands to host series of ‘unique experiences’ for Christmas

Night sights: guests can witness Woodberry Wetlands after the sun goes down. Photograph: Penny Dixon

The historic Coal House at Woodberry Wetlands is to celebrate its first Christmas by hosting a series of festive spectaculars.

The Grade II-listed former coal store was transformed into a café as part of a huge restoration project to create a wetlands around Stoke Newington’s East Reservoir.

The lake and its surroundings were closed to the public after their construction in 1833 until April this year, when Sir David Attenborough cut the ribbon at the new nature reserve.

Organiser Lisa Paulon said: “Since the Coal House’s opening on 1 May, we have had repeated requests from local residents for more events and evening openings, and the festive season felt like the perfect time to put on some unique experiences at this very special place.”

The line-up includes a series of ‘Winter Warmers’ taking place every Wednesday evening at the Coal House from 7-21 December.

Guests will be able to guzzle mulled wine, swig on seasonal craft beers and even learn how to make fragrant, festive candles to fill someone’s stocking – all while enjoying the opportunity to see the Wetlands at night.

Transformed: the former coal store is now a picturesque café. Photograph: Penny Dixon

Paulon added: “Woodberry Wetlands is beautiful during the day, but it is especially magical at night, watching the glistening lights from Woodberry Down across the water whilst listening to the nocturnal wildlife.

“We have partnered up with some amazing independent local producers and artists to create an extraordinary and very different sensory and educational experience at each event.”

Tickets for the Wednesday events cost £25 plus a booking fee, and all the profits will be invested in London Wildlife Trust projects across London, including Woodberry Wetlands.

“Currently we are working on winter maintenance for the wildlife at Woodberry,” Paulon explained. “And we will be undertaking some major projects such as building a swift tower, an alternative entrance and improving surfacing, along with a variety of other schemes to increase biodiversity at the reserve.”

From 30 November, the Coal House will also be putting on festive lunches and special private dining experiences for adults.

For more information about the Christmas events and to book tickets, see woodberrywetlands.org.uk/events.