Stoke Newington Reservoirs

From Londonbirders

Map: [1]

Website: The Reservoirs Nature Society (TeRNS) [2] for news and information.

Website: latest records and photos, migration counts, monthly summaries etc.:- 'Stoke Newington Birds' [3]

Access is currently limited.

However good views of most of the two reservoirs can be had from the New River public path, which runs for approximately one kilometre along the north side of the site, bisected by Lordship Road. Panoramic views of the East Reservoir can be obtained from the raised platform, immediately below the northern tower block, on Bethune Road. Greater access granted to The Reservoirs Nature Society (TeRNS) by Thames Water in 2005 has been welcomed by local birders and naturalists.

Completed in 1833 there are 17 hectares of open water - Hackney's largest, most diverse wetland area. They are designated a Site of Metropolitan Importance for Conservation, and were given legal protection in 1986.

For a comparatively small, central London site set against such an urban backdrop, SNR's have produced some surprisingly good records for local patchworkers, and a recent strong upsurge in coverage has greatly improved the local picture. However, regular effort is strongly advised, and the area can be quiet for the visiting birder.

Recent highlights include Golden Oriole, Black-necked Grebe, Garganey and Pied Flycatcher. Good records for 2006 include Caspian Gull, Black-tailed Godwit, Osprey, Yellow-legged Gull, Mediterranean Gull, Ring Ouzel, Rock Pipit and Whinchat.

The site is also recommended for visible migration, with 2006 - the first year of committed observation throughout the spring and autumn - producing unexpected quality and quantity. Watching from first light invariably produces most of the activity.

Getting there: Manor House, on the Piccadilly Line, is five minutes walk via Green Lanes (or 106, 141, 341 buses).