Topography A relatively narrow linear valley lying at approximately 10m AOD. To the west the landform gently rises towards Edmonton and Wood Green reaching a high point of 65m AOD at Enfield Town. To the east the valley rises quicker at Chingford to form a ridge, with Pole Hill being the local high point at 91m AOD. The land continues to rise towards Epping Forest in the north east at 110m AOD.
Landscape and Ecology This area of the Lee Valley Regional Park is relatively narrow and defined by its urban setting. The proximity of busy roads and the sound of traffic, particularly related to the elevated North Circular Road, and a number of views of industrial buildings reinforce the sense of an urban landscape in combination with residential districts. The reservoirs make narrow fringes of land on the eastern and western Regional Park boundaries. These linear open spaces, individually, are of nature conservation value in their urban context given the minimal open space in the vicinity. Together, they are of much wider significance, providing opportunities for grassland and woodland habitat creation to complement the open water habitat.
Designations The King George V and William Girling Reservoirs to the north of the Site are of national significance for water birds being designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs). Approximately 2km to the south of the Site, the Walthamstow Marshes are an important wetland habitat designated as a RAMSAR site. Running adjacent to the Site to the western edge is identified as an Important Bird Area (non-statutory). A public footpath runs across the northern boundary of the Site from east to west from the residential properties on Russell Road to the River Lee Navigation public footpath and Cycle Route 1.
Ecology An Ecological Study has been carried out across the Site and surrounding area. The report found that none of the habitats present are of more than ‘Local’ conservation significance. The Site largely supports a plant community of rough grassland with tall herbaceous species and scattered scrub including Hawthorn, Apple, Elder and Butterfly Bush. Surrounding the site is M071 Lea Valley Site of Metropolitan Importance for Nature Conservation (SMINC). The SMINC is a Non-statutory designation, identified and designated by Greater London Authority (GLA).
The planting strategy creates a layered effect throughout the Site with the feel of a native woodland edge. Where space and other constraints allow, trees will be planted to give height and to encourage wildlife habitats within the Site, as well as filtering potential views and will create the foundation for the landscape proposals. Native scrub planting will be in abundance across the Site, creating dense clumps of scrub using berry and fruiting plant species that are ideal for wildlife. The scrub will eventually grow to create an understorey to the tree planting, and then in clearings, low meadow planting across the Site will create habitats
for ground nesting birds, as well as opening up interior sections of the Site. Along the eastern boundary a swale will provide a sustainable feature to collect surface water, as well as creating an interesting wet/dry habitat. Key Benefits: • Tree planting • Varying habitat creation • Screening • Surface water collection
Lower Hall Pumping Station