Stoke Newington Reservoirs

From Londonbirders

Map: [1]

Website: http://mysite.wanadoo-members.co.uk/terns2/index.htm

latest records and photos: [2]

Access is currently limited. However good views of most of the two reservoirs can be had from the New River public path, which runs for approximately one kilometre along the north side of the site, bisected by Lordship Road. Panoramic views of the East Reservoir can be obtained from the raised platform, immediatley below the northern tower block, on Bethune Road. Greater access granted to The Reservoirs Nature Society (TeRNS) by Thames Water in 2005 has been welcomed by local birders and naturalists.

Completed in 1833 there are 17 hectares of open water - Hackney's largest and most diverse wetland area. They are designated a Site of Metropolitan Importance for Conservation, and were given legal protection in 1986.

Recent highlights include Golden Oriole, Black-necked Grebe, Garganey and Pied Flycatcher. Over 100 species have been recorded on site.

Other good records for 2006 include Black-tailed Godwit, Osprey, several Hobbies, a spate of Common Buzzard sightings, Yellow-legged Gull, Mediterranean Gull, several Ring Ouzels, Tree Sparrow, Rock Pipit and Whinchat. A recent increase in observer effort has greatly improved the overall picture of species and their status at the Reservoirs, and more additions to the local list are very likely.

For a comparatively small,inner city site it does offer the urban London birder rewards, but only if you're prepared to put the time in.

Getting there: Manor House, on the Piccadilly Line, is five minutes walk via Green Lanes (or 141, 341 buses).