Lea Valley Walk: Lea Bridge to Three Mills

Join us for a three mile walk which will follow the Lea Valley highlighting its industrial heritage and natural history along the way. Starting from WaterWorks Visitor Centre, discover the historic filter beds within WaterWorks Nature Reserve and continue to explore the impact of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games on the surrounding areas. Finish with a tour of the Grade I listed House Mill at Three Mills.

The day is a blend of industrial heritage and natural history as they merge along the Lea Valley.

The WaterWorks fulfils an important role as a wildlife haven, just a few miles from central London. There are over 25 breeding bird species, over 500 varieties of plants and a quarter of Britain’s Butterfly species have been recorded here.

We continue further south along the Valley, across the Hackney marshes before arriving at the Olympic Park. As we walk alongside the river we will be able to discuss some of the changes London 2012 has brought to the area. On one side are the new venues and infrastructure (now being transformed) and on the other local communities looking to benefit from the ‘legacy’ of the Games.

We finish the day at The House Mill, a grade 1 listed 18th century tidal mill set in a beautiful riverside location in the heart of London’s East End. Originally built in 1776, on an existing pre-Doomsday site it is the largest existing tidal mill in the world. We will go on a tour of the Mill discover some of the history and more about the future plans to reinstate all four water wheels, to restore some of the mill machinery and for hydro power generation.

Led by staff from FSC London, Lee Valley Regional Park and House Mill.

Booking is required for this event. To book your place go to field-studies-council.org.uk