Ok so here are two sites I visited over the last few months in North London. These two are both great sites and one completely transformed into a nature reserve in the heart of the capital and other green park, a paradise for wildlife.
Woodberry Wetlands
Way back in the 1980’s I used to view this reservoir from Lordship Road where you could only see a small section of the reservoir and hoped that the birds would be on view. So now roll forward thirty years and the London Wildlife Trust now manage the site and have been able to transform the site completely. We have complete access around the site and extensive reedbeds have been planted providing wonderful breeding, feeding and roosting areas for birds.
Date visited - 30 April 2016
Species seen - 36 species
Highlights - Red Kite, House Sparrow, Great Crested Grebes and Gadwall
Location - North London, next door to Manor House with New River running beside it
Tips - watch the edges of the reeds for birds feeding in the depths of the beds
Waterlow Park
Way back in the late 1970s I recall visiting here and can recall looking at some odd geese. My visit here was late in the morning (for birds) and it was still full of life. Like many parks in London is was prime real-estate for breeding birds, with habitat including large quantities of vegetation providing a great environment for birds
Date visited - 10 June 2016
Species seen - 30 species
Highlights - Nuthatch, Blackcap, Coal Tit and Tufted Ducks
Location - North London, next door sandwiched between Archway and Highgate
Website http://www.waterlowpark.org.uk/
Tips - wait for the birds to come to you, sit on a bench and look/listen to see what’s knocking about