When you visit you can expect to enjoy a space that many wildlife species have taken up residence in. Step out for a gentle stroll or cycle on miles of paths – look out for Kingfishers, Kestrel hunting for Field and Bank Voles and Bee Orchids in the summer months as you go!  There are plenty of walking and cycling routes to choose from.

 

Whilst exploring the park, please bear in mind the Countryside Code of Conduct and Lee Valley Regional Park bylaws.

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Wildlife 

Tottenham Marshes consists of a large expanse of rough grassland with wildflower meadows, accessible river channels and scrubland. The meadows are home to an increasing number of Bee Orchid which flower from May to June as well as the scarce Wall Bedstraw. Buddleia can become invasive and cause problems but around the car park it attracts huge numbers of butterflies, including the migratory Painted Lady.

 

Look above the grasslands to see Kestrel hunting small mammals such as Bank and Field Vole. It’s worth scanning the electricity pylons where the Kestrel often perch. Wasp Spider is increasing its range in the UK and can be seen in the long grass. As their name suggests they are brightly coloured. They weave a characteristic zigzag pattern in their web, which they use to catch grasshoppers and other small insects.

 

The Small Red-eyed Damselfly is benefiting from our milder climate. They can be seen from late June to September, perching on floating vegetation along the Lee Navigation. The marshes are also excellent areas for flocks of small birds. In winter large flocks of Linnet can be seen feeding on the seed heads of Teasel, dock and thistle.

 

Sand Martin visit in summer months, nesting in purpose-made holes drilled in the concrete walls of Pymmes Brook. The river channels are also good places to look for a darting Kingfisher.

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Friends of Tottenham Marshes

Come and join us surveying the bird life of the Marshes, we do have some binoculars available if you don't have your own. For more information about FoTM walks and talks and other activities please see website www.tottenhammarshes.org or email: contact@tottenhammarshes.org

 

Stonebridge Lock Coalition

We're a group of waterway clean-up volunteers who make our local more lovely. Join us & discover the wonder that is the wilds of Tottenham Marshes, River Lea & Lee Navigation  Twitter:  @StonebridgeLock

 

Living Under one Sun

Living Under One Sun was created in 2005 in a corner of Tottenham by mothers of many cultures and ages wanting to reduce their isolation, know more and make their much-neglected neighbourhood safer.

 

Through a weekly ‘meet, cook and eat’ peer support group we shared our life stories, gained trust, confidence and strength to reach out – the feeling was '‘We are all equal under one sun’'! With a place to meet, a pot full of food and some fun and friendship, we experienced the power of what we can learn and do for ourselves, our families and our neighbourhood.

Soon this grew into a local ‘village square’ meeting place for all, accessing services, gaining qualifications, training community leaders and delivering projects, supported by a Council community worker. Find out more by emailing allotment@livingunderonesun.co.uk

 

Walking for Health

These weekly morning walks are part of Natural England's programme (supported by London Borough of Haringey). The walks are held regularly every Friday beginning at Stonebridge Lock and last approx 30 to 45 minutes. Janice Fraser (a member of  FoTM ) is the usual leader.

 

This has also become quite a social event with people bringing cookies etc. and having coffee at the Waterside Centre afterwards. Meet 10:25 for 10:30 start from Stonebridge Lock - all welcome

 

East Hale Allotments

East Hale Allotments is situated by the River Lee in the Tottenham Hale area and owned by Lee Valley Regional Park Authority.

 

A lot of the management is carried out by the East Hale Allotments Association Committee, formed by volunteers who give their time and energy freely so that all plot holders can enjoy their time at the site. Everybody is a member of the Association and is encouraged to volunteer.

 

Positives of renting a plot

• Cultivating is very rewarding providing healthy exercise that benefits both body and mind:

• It keeps you fit and you get Vitamin D from being outdoors.

• You eat healthy food.

• Meet people who share an interest in growing vegetables, fruit and flowers.

Challenges

• It requires an ongoing commitment in order to cultivate and is a challenge to keep the weeds and grass at bay and can be hard work that requires regular attendance.

• New plot holders will be allocated a half plot.

• There is a waiting list that you can apply to join.

If you want to put down your name for a plot, or have any questions, send an email to easthaleallotments@gmail.com

 

East Hale Allotments, Mill Mead Road, Tottenham Hale, London N17 9QP