Keeping it Wild Collective: Upstream

Join us for the first part of this exciting series upstream at Walthamstow Wetlands, home to Europe’s largest urban reservoir! 🌊Discover the fascinating history and vital role this site plays in supplying fresh drinking water to London. Plus, explore its thriving wetland habitat, where you might spot tufted ducks, migrating swifts, and other incredible wildlife 🦅

After a guided walk around the reservoirs, set your creativity free in a fun, collaborative art session! Together with Cody Dock, we'll create a unique poetry and collage artwork capturing the rich contrasts between the upstream wetlands and downstream river life, and connecting the two sites along our shared river🚣🏿‍♂️

Come for nature, stay for art, and be part of this one-of-a-kind experience connecting two nature hotspots 🌿

Make sure to join us at part 2 Downstream, at Cody Dock on 16th November!➡️ Book here

📅 Date: Sunday 12th October

⏰ Time: 12:00PM-3:00PM

📍 Meeting Point: Engine House entrance, Walthamstow Wetlands, N17 9NH ///palms.hidden.memory

🙋‍♀️ Who can come: Young People ages 16-30

What to expect

🌾 Explore the beauty and ecology of Europe’s largest urban reservoir and get acquainted with its common wildlife

🚰 Learn about the history of the Wetlands including how it is now responsible for providing 3.5million people with drinking water in London

🎨 Get creative with a collaborative art workshop

🛶Discuss how we expect the river to adapt downstream as we prepare for our second session downstream at Cody Dock

🗣️ Connect with like-minded people in nature

Why join us!

🍽️We'll provide lunch!

🧑‍🤝‍🧑Bring someone new to nature and get a free coffee voucher to use at London Wildlife Trust cafes!

How to get there

🚇 Tube/train stations: Tottenham Hale (Victoria Line/ National Rail) – 9-minute walk

Blackhorse Road (Victoria Line/ Suffragette Line) – 13-minute walk

🚏 Bus: Walthamstow Wetlands / Ferry Boat Inn (123/ 230 bus routes)

🚗 Car: Pay and Display Parking is available at the reserve entrance - postcode N17 9NH.

Accessibility

The main concrete path through the reserve is fully accessible and the Turbine Room, where we'll have lunch and the creative workshop is accesible by wheelchair.

If you have any questions about accessibility, please get in touch with us at youth@wildlondon.org.uk

The delivery of the Keeping it Wild Collective is made possible by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation.

Who are Cody Dock?

Cody Dock is a community-focused charity located on a historic industrial dock beside the tidal River Lea in East London. The site was formerly used as a place to unload coal for the Bromley-by-Bow gasworks but now exists as a vibrant community space featuring a café, artist studios, gallery and gardens. It serves as the perfect venue to compare life upstream with species including redshanks and harbour seals.

We’ll be joined by Evie and Esme…

Evie Crouch, Youth Programmes Manager at Cody Dock

I’m an Environmental Educator and Campaigner based in East London. At Cody Dock, I lead the primary and secondary school programs, creating hands-on workshops that inspire young people to connect with the natural world. I’m passionate about fostering curiosity and awareness around local ecology, climate change, and sustainable living.

Esme Staunton Howe, Cody Wild Youth Programme Manager at Cody Dock.

I work to encourage young people to enjoy spending time outdoors, connect with their local blue space and develop a love for art and nature. I lead creative workshops with schools and youth groups across Newham and Tower Hamlets, exploring the river Lea and getting to know the amazing wildlife that makes itself at home here.