Love a wander around the huge reservoirs. Often during the year sections are not open because of nesting birds, but plenty to see anyway. Watching the birds on the reservoir with the train line in the background is surreal as it really is a haven in a busy city. The cafe is accessible and serves basic but nice food. Always a tranquil walk, although sometimes busy on the main route through. Take time to watch the birds and the Pamela fishing and enjoy the calm nature around you.

I have lived in Clapton for five years and often walk down Hackney Marshes to birdwatch. I’ve walked through the waterworks before but never noticed the Nature Reserve so was in absolute shock and awe today to find all the bird hides. This isn’t advertised well enough! I’m honestly blew away by how beautiful it was. I’ll be back all the time.

Beautiful park for lovely walk! Also, great place to watch the birds.

Don't be put off by the name. 'Waterworks Centre Nature Reserve' doesn't sound very romantic, scenic or enticing, but I can assure you this is a hidden gem. You can easily access it by crossing Lea Bridge Road south of the riding school or via the footpath just north of the bridge which crosses the river Lea to Hackney marshes. It's a beautifully maintained oasis of calm. The filter beds themselves at the far end can be observed by opening up a series of hides so as not to disturb the wildlife. There are, however, quite a few areas which look very interesting but which are closed to the public because of ongoing maintenance. It would be nice to think that at some time in the future these will become accessible.

Tucked away off Lea Bridge Road, it's a lovely spot for a dog walk, outside the reserve. There's parking, at the moment, (summer), it's locked at 9pm. There is a visitor centre but it's generally closed when we get there later on. If you don't have your 4-legged friend you can go in the nature reserve, (locked earlier around 6.30). I volunteered for conservation work a few years ago, it's a wonderful place. From here you can walk to Hackney Marshes and the River Lea. There's a lot to explore.