The primary purpose of the Woodberry Wetlands project was to open up the reservoir, and give the local community a much-needed open space, rich in ecology, wildlife and habitats. The London Wildlife Trust (LWT) recognised the shrinking availability of such places within London, and intended to reverse this trend. By providing a biodiverse habitat, they identified a number of other beneficial activities that could be overlaid on this previously single-use reservoir. The possibilities for volunteers, the community, for learning and education reflected this vision. With growing concern over the structural stability of the Grade II Listed Coal House, listed on the ‘Heritage at Risk Register’, the project began.

Allen Scott has played a key role in the Woodberry Wetlands project from the very start, leading the feasibility study that helped receive Round 1 funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF). During the development of proposals, Allen Scott provided a Design Team Leader role, with the responsibility to coordinate, manage and lead the Design Team to achieve planning permission and HLF Round 2 funding. As the Landscape Architect on the delivery phase, we were also responsible for the masterplanning, detailing and implementation of the external works. Our extensive role gave us a clear understanding of the client and stakeholder requirements, as well as Thames Water structural and operational constraints.

With only a few portfolio projects, Woodberry Wetlands has been a significant scheme for the London Wildlife Trust, and a huge success. It has given them a location within the heart of the city from which they can reach out into the community, and grow their bank of eager volunteers and supporters. The feedback and publicity received from this scheme has been a reassuring nod that we, as Landscape Architects, can make better places − whether that’s a better place for migratory birds to inhabit and thrive, or for a community to come together and be hands on with reedbeds maintenance, or even for an individual to get some peace and quiet and look across the rich and beautiful wetlands environment.

Woodberry Wetlands is truly unique. This rich, healthy and flourishing environment, within the urban context of Britain’s largest city, has allowed people to experience first-hand the delights of a thriving wetland. Unlike the parklands of many other urban public spaces, this provides a truly contrasting experience for visitors.

As an operational reservoir, it has been a significant achievement to work alongside Thames Water, and open up this valuable and important asset to the public. With the various operational and structural constraints, it has demonstrated the value and ability of Landscape Architects to work within these constraints, and deliver a fantastic scheme for community use.