Places to see birds

Fishers Green (SSSI SPA RAMSAR)

Fishers Green is reached via Stubbins Hall Lane, off B194, Waltham Abbey, Essex. It is situated within the Lee Valley Country Park, which extends over 1,000 acres. Gravel has been extracted from the valley since the early 20th century. This activity left a large number of gravel pits, some were in-filled with waste materials, but many were left to flood by the natural water table. Over time this bare landscape was colonized by Willows and Alder Trees, which find a damp habitat to their liking. In the drier areas of land, bushes such as Hawthorn and Blackthorn colonized, these have created excellent nesting sites. In each autumn these bushes produce large crops of berries.

There is always something of interest to see throughout the year. There has been a policy of habitat improvement by planting many native species of trees and bushes. These areas are then coppiced on a rotation basis, the length of time between each cut is dependent on the habitat. This work has led to the increase in species of birds breeding in the area, including Nightingales and Warblers. Many species of butterflies and dragonflies can also be seen during the summer months.

There are at present two hides, which are open every day. The main Bittern hide has been extended, with a new interpretation area with CCTV screen, with 5 cameras around the area, giving excellent views of common terns nesting on their rafts, 47 chicks were ringed here in 2008. (As I write, September 2008, there is a problem with the CCTV at this hide, although the screens at the Hayes Hill Farm visitor centre are working.) This hide is manned by volunteers at certain weekends. A replacement hide is being built at the Grand Weir and should be opening late in September 2008. Sadly, the Crannum hide was vandalised and burnt down in August 2008. A new viewing platform has recently been built overlooking 70 Acres lake.

Light refreshments and lunches are available at Hayes Hill Farm visitor centre and information point, from April to October each year.

Winter specialities are Bittern, Smew, Goosander and Goldeneye. By recording the species of water birds, under the WEBS monthly counts, it has been shown that the Lee Valley is both nationally and internationally important as follows:

International Importance for Gadwall and Shoveler

National Importance for Little and Great Crested Grebes, Cormorant, Heron, Tufted Duck, Coot, Moorhen, Water Rail and Kingfisher.

From the main car park ( toilets inc. RADAR ), access is mainly along good footpaths, many suitable for wheelchairs.

In May 2008, a female Red-footed falcon was seen at 70 Acres lake. Cetti's warblers have spread in the area, a pair have nested close to the Bittern Information Point hide this year, and this spring over 20 hobbies have been seen hunting over the lakes. At least 14 Nightingales were heard singing this spring, and common buzzards are now a regular sighting over the farm and woodland and there have been sightings of Red Kites.