New nature reserve in London

This video from England is called DIY Wildlife: Oasis in the Desert, London Wetland Center.

From Wildlife Extra:

New nature reserve to open in London

East Reservoir in London will be transformed into Woodberry Wetlands in 2015

London Wildlife trust will be transforming what was formerly Stoke Newington Reserve into Woodberry Wetlands, a new nature reserve in north east London set to open to the public in 2015.

The Wildlife trust has secured a total of £1.5 million in order to complete the reserve, on which will be built a bridge, boardwalk, café and visitor centre, designed to provide public access while minimising disturbance to wildlife.

The site – which is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and owned by Thames Water, Hackney Council, and Berkley Homes – will give people the chance to enjoy nature in the heart of north east London. Visiting school and community groups will learn about urban wildlife, and volunteers will gain skills in practical nature conservation.

Chief Executive of London Wildlife Trust Carlo Laurenzi said: “The creation of Woodberry Wetlands shows that we can bring nature back into people’s lives, even in the heart of north east London. A new visitor centre and walkways will give free access to large parts of the site and we will significantly increase areas of reed bed and wildflower meadow to enhance the wildlife habitat.”

Previously, the site was Stoke Newington Reserve, which has been closed to the public for nearly 200 years. The new reserve will be based at East Reservoir, which was constructed in 1833 and has since developed into an important haven for wildlife. The reservoir is today an important habitat for birds such as reed bunting, song thrush, kingfisher, and the occasional bittern, while also providing valuable foraging and roosting for bats. It is also an important location for large numbers of migratory birds, and a shelter for wildfowl during the winter.

For an early glimpse of the wetlands, head to East Reservoir Community Garden at 1pm or 3pm of Sunday 21st September, as the London Wildlife Trust will be running guided Woodberry Wetlands tours. For more information visit their site.