Cool caffe, great stuff, beautiful Wildlife London and wonderful showcase of the power of the people (tenants put up a fight and preveneted companies make more money, less nature).

Woodberry Wetlands is one of those proper hidden pockets of calm where you’d never guess you’re smack in the middle of N16. 🦆🌊 The reservoirs are gorgeous, especially on a crisp morning when the mist’s hovering over the water and a heron’s just standing there judging everyone. 🦢🌫️ It’s run by the London Wildlife Trust, so wildlife spotting’s top-notch—kingfishers if you’re lucky, plus all the usual ducks and coots making a racket. 🐦🦆‍♂️ The New River Path runs right through, making it perfect for a low-key stroll or a breather between the chaos of Stoke Newington and Finsbury Park. 🚶‍♀️☕ The café does a decent brew with views across the water, too. It’s free, it’s peaceful, and it feels worlds away from the traffic despite the tower blocks looming nearby. 🏙️🍃✨

Can walk around both calm oblong reservoirs (one public, one private) plus the pleasant outside river trail on the north side.

I set off, by public transport and Shank’s Pony, with moderated expectations as I had read that the track on one side of the reservoirs was closed for maintenance. In fact, both sides will be closed for maintenance until January 2026. However, I entered, via Newnton Close, and saw and heard plenty of wildlife … 12 bird species and 1 grey squirrel. I am a birder and loved the scrubby nature of the area I could access behind the cafe. The birds love this habitat too. Good work being down to restore this habitat too being “nature friendly”. The website and signs need updating to avoid disappointing any more visitors.

Tucked away in Hackney, Woodberry Wetlands is a tranquil nature reserve offering 11 hectares of reed-fringed ponds, dykes, and wildlife habitats just a stone’s throw from the city. Opened by Sir David Attenborough in 2016, this formerly closed reservoir has become a haven for birds, insects, and humans alike. With accessible walking paths, a cosy café, and open views across the East Reservoir, it’s the perfect spot for a gentle walk, birdwatching, or a quiet coffee by the water’s edge. The Coal House Cafe serves toasties, cakes and beverages. There are toilets in the cafe. Inside and outside seating.