Woodberry Wetlands celebrates first Green Flag Award

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

Woodberry Wetlands capped an “incredible first year” by winning a prestigious Green Flag Award yesterday.

The wildlife haven in Stoke Newington only opened to the public in April 2016, with the legendary Sir David Attenborough cutting the ribbon.

Senior site officer Francisco Do Carmo said staff at the reserve are “absolutely delighted”, adding: “We know how much high-quality green spaces matter to Londoners, and this award celebrates the dedication that goes into making the wetlands such a wonderful place to visit.”

Woodberry is one of a record-breaking 1,797 parks to be presented with a Green Flag this week.

The awards, run by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, are now into their third decade. They are given to green spaces which live up to the highest environmental standards, are beautifully maintained, and provide top-notch facilities for visitors.

Green Flag manager Paul Todd said: “Each flag is a celebration of the thousands of staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the awards.

“The success of the scheme, especially in these challenging times, demonstrates just how much parks matter to people.”

Woodberry Wetlands was created by the London Wildlife Trust at the site of Stoke Newington’s East Reservoir “to give people free access to a high-quality natural space in a densely built-up area”.

Just over a year since the launch, the Trust says it is already one of its top visitor attractions.

The reserve is home to an array of migratory birds and, according to the Trust, recently installed reedbeds have provided a new haven for waterfowl.

Woodberry Wetlands is free to visit and is open on most days of the year, including weekends, from 9am to 4.30pm.

For more information, please visit woodberrywetlands.org.uk