Early 2017 was marked by sad news for biodiversity in the UK. Not only did we learn that 25% of UK bird species are endangered, but also that a staggering 70% of UK butterfly species are in decline.

With this is mind, it was a delight this weekend to get a preview tour of the new Walthamstow Wetlands nature reserve, a transformation of Walthamstow Reservoirs into by far the largest nature reserve in London, as well as one of the largest urban wetlands in Europe (and according to our tour guide, the world.)

Constructed in the early nineteenth century, and instrumental in the social history of London's population growth, the ten reservoirs on the 200+ hectare site provide 65% of the capital's water supply (if I heard correctly!)

The site has long been an important wildlife spot, supporting wetland birds including overwintering wildfowl, herons, cormorants and kingfishers, as well as amphibians, bats, a multitude of insects and over 200 plant species. 

Until now, it's been fairly inaccessible to the public (unless you're an angler - it's Londons largest freshwater fishery). This will change radically in September 2017 when the site will open its doors to the public after a huge £8.7m investment, including a wonderful new visitor centre (a restoration of an original Victorian engine house), walkways, and a stunning viewing platform in the tower of a former copper mill. 

Education - both formal and informal - is at the heart of the project. I'm struck by the imagination behind a venture that could have chosen to keep the public well away from this important urban wildlife enclave, but had the vision to see that if executed well, the educational and investment benefits will outweigh and overcome the potential for negative consequences.

As a Londoner, I'm proud to see such a bold and ambitious project come to fruition in politically challenging times. It's also heartening to see continued momentum for East London following the success of the 2012 Olympics.

As a wildlife lover, I can't wait to have such a wonderful sanctuary on my doorstep. I'm excited by the potential of the site to educate and inspire the capital's young people, for whom the natural world must often seem a very distant realm.

And as a sustainability professional, I'm inspired by this successful partnership between the private sector (Thames Water), local government (Waltham Forest Council), and the third sector (London Wildlife Trust), underpinned by an injection of funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund. As the Sustainable Development Goals make clear, these kind of ambitious partnerships will be vital to turn the tide on our biggest sustainability challenges. 

Best of wishes to the team working hard to get the site ready for Autumn, and be sure to take the opportunity to visit when the Wetlands opens its doors this September.

http://www.walthamstow-wetlands.org.uk