Walthamstow Marshes and WaterWorks Nature Reserve have been recognised as some of the best parks and open spaces in the UK.

The open spaces by Lea Bridge Road, Leyton, are among nearly 1,500 parks and green spaces across the country that received a Green Flag Award from the Keep Britain Tidy environmental charity.

Green Space Manager for Lee Valley Regional Park Authority, Martin Page, said: “We are absolutely delighted to retain the Green Flag Award for Walthamstow Marshes and WaterWorks Nature Reserve.”

The nature reserve, off Lammas Road, Leyton, is known for having one of London’s largest bird hides.

According to Lee Valley Regional Park Authority 25 breeding bird species, more than 500 varieties of plants and one quarter of Britain’s butterfly species have been recorded in the reserve.

Keep Britain Tidy’s Green Flag Awards programme manager Paul Todd said: “It’s testament to the efforts of the thousands of men and women, supported by an army of volunteers, who work tirelessly to keep our public green spaces looking great.”

It is the fifth year running the areas in Waltham Forest have been acknowledged.

Keep Britain Tidy will release reports outlining why areas were awarded in the coming months.