Woodberry Wetlands’ spring line-up revealed

Stoke Newington’s East Reservoir, site of Woodbury Wetlands. Photograph: London Wildlife Trust

Outdoor types have plenty to look forward to at Woodberry Wetlands over the coming months as the wildlife reserve celebrates its one-year anniversary with a special spring calendar.

The 11-hectare oasis surrounding Stoke Newington’s East Reservoir was opened to the public for the first time last May, with the legendary Sir David Attenborough cutting the ribbon.

The Wetlands’ events boss Lisa Paulon said: “2016 was hugely exciting for us, starting with the grand opening through to a long run of successful wildlife events, festivals, community engagement initiatives and a new, hugely popular outdoor learning programme.

“After all the hard work and planning that went into the opening of this new nature reserve, it was particularly rewarding to witness the impressive number of visitors, from both the local community and across London, engaging with the site throughout the year.”

Night sights: a guide to the reserve’s bat community will be available. Photograph: Penny Dixon

Ahead of the reserve’s first birthday, Paulon revealed what would be on offer for guests this spring.

Activities include a beekeeping class, foraging lessons, outdoor yoga, and even a night-time guide to the bats making their homes at the Wetlands. Admission to the reserve is always free, but visitors can pay extra for these unique experiences, with all the money going towards the upkeep of the grounds.

Paulon added: “Due to the funds raised last year, we were able to invest in significant improvements to our outdoor learning facilities, much-needed equipment to manage the land and improve biodiversity, and finish off works on new infrastructure such as resurfacing and an alternate entrance.

“We have learned a lot from our first year and we’ve developed a new programme of the most popular types of events, along with fresh outdoor experiences for people to enjoy.”

Paulon is particularly excited about the Wild Weekend festival on 29-30 April, a free event with live music, a farmers’ market, food stalls and a “huge schedule” of activities.

For more information about the festival or the spring calendar at Woodberry Wetlands, please visit the reserve’s website here