Teenagers have taken time out of the classroom and turned their hands to construction on a site which has not been open since 1833.

Students from Leyton Sixth Form are currently volunteering at the Woodberry Wetlands project, working on reed beds and planting hedges on the site in Stoke Newington.

Woodberry Wetlands is being constructed on the site of what is currently Thames Water’s East Reservoir, an area that has been off limits to the public since its construction in 1833.

The students have been involved in creating sustainable drainage marsh gardens, paths and general gardening and habitat management work.

Principal Kevin Watson said: “This is something of a new departure for us and students have greatly enjoyed and benefited from the opportunity to take part in the construction work.

“Contrary to what some people would have us believe, many young people care very much about the environment and it is very gratifying to see students from LSC committing time and energy to such a worthwhile project."

 

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Students from Leyton Sixth Form College work on Woodberry Wetlands site

Aquatic diggers will now move four metres of silt that has collected on the reservoir bed, and place it behind submerged fences made of hazel and chestnut, to create 13,000 square metres of new reed bed.

London Wildlife Trust is spending £1.5m on turning the area into a new nature reserve called Woodberry Wetlands, opening later this year.

The islands and ponds will be connected by channels of different depths, extending the current habitat for bird species including reed bunting, song thrush, kingfisher and bittern.

Reed beds also provide valuable foraging and roosting habitat for bats. A new visitor centre and walkways will allow free public access to large parts of the site.