Middlesex Filter Beds
Until 1969 the Middlesex Filter Beds were cleaning water from the River Lea and supplying it to places all over north-east London. The Beds then fell into disuse and nature took over quickly. In 1988 the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority acquired the filter beds from Thames Water Authority and is now developing them as a nature reserve.
The variety of habitats found at the Middlesex Filter Beds Nature Reserve is unique and attracts wildlife normally uncommon in an area so close to central London. Over sixty species of birds have been seen at the Middlesex Beds. These range from small birds such as blue tits and goldfinches, which are often seen in trees and bushes, to larger species such as kestrels and herons. In spring and autumn the whole of the Lee Valley is a well-known migration route for birds. The Filter Beds are used as a stopping off point, where the birds rest and build up their strength before continuing long journeys to other regions or countries.
The open water, damp sandy areas and brickwork provide shelter, homes and places to hibernate for many amphibians. If you look closely at the beds in spring, you may be able to see frogs, toads and newts. In summer, damselflies and dragonflies are commonly seen flying over the beds. The wildlife value of the beds is increased by the nearness of other important wild areas such as Walthamstow Marsh, the river and the adjacent Essex Filter Beds.
The Lee Valley Regional Park Authority manages this site to maintain a variety of vegetation types that in turn benefit a variety of animals. Management techniques include regular coppicing regime of some of the wooded areas and rotational cutting and scrub removal in the reed bed areas.
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Art plays a large part in the Middlesex Filter Beds. There are two fascinating pieces of art on display here. The first is Nature’s Throne which is a giant seat carved with waves, fishes, local plants and animals. Surrounding the seat is a circle which used foundation stones from the site. The second sculpture is a set of enormous ceramic fishes that can be found emerging from the open waters of one of the filter beds. All of the art created was completed with the help of the local schools and community groups. |