Hidden Spaces

Hugh just posted earlier about plans to open the reservoirs to the East, and it made me think of the different hidden spaces close to us that some of us know, and others do not. I thought we might share a few ideas.

Some of these spaces are open to us, some are closed, some may open at certain times of the year (like for Open London for example).

Anyway, here are my starters for 10. Feel free to add your own thoughts and ideas...

• Walthamstow Reservoirs: I had to list this one first because it was the inspiration for this post. Currently closed, but, as mentioned, big plans to open it up to us all
• Railway Fields: Right on our doorstep, our very own Railway Fields, a great little spot open pretty much most of the time.
• West Reservoir: A great space, sadly closed to us beyond the visitor's centre as far as I can see the whole time.
• East Reservoir: I have never been in, but it looks great, I believe the London Wildlife Trust have access, and folks can get in via LWT
• Parkland Walk: I love the view from the Muswell Hill part of Parkland Walk
• Lee Valley: I guess some of us know about the bit near us towards Hackney, but the stretch north to Broxbourne and beyond is excellent, we did it with the kids on bikes not too long back. Lovely. And a great place for kids to cycle safely. We have not made it to the stretch of the Lee that apparently had otters in it sadly. Not yet anyway.
• Middlesex Filter Beds: Hackney way in the Lee Valley. I have done this separately as most folks walk past the big high wall bordering the canal and never think to find out what is behind it. The pics on this web site do not do it justice, it is a fantastic place once inside. I was lucky enough to get into the more extensive filter bed bit next door (and over the river) before it was fenced off. Not sure what is happening in this part, but well worth a trip.