Walthamstow Wetlands

Description of Works
Walthamstow Wetlands has transformed a 200-hectare reservoir site in North East London into a distinctive urban wetland nature reserve that is unprecedented in size, providing a unique waterscape for local communities to enjoy.

FM Conway was appointed by the London Borough of Waltham Forest to construct a 2km concrete foot and cycle pathway; designed to be a key way-finding feature for visitors through the centre of the site. The pathway links all four of the site’s entrances, ensuring that local people have easy access from the three adjacent boroughs: Waltham Forest, Hackney and Haringey.

Services used on this project Civil Engineering

Delivering Innovation

The pathway also connects to existing strategic routes such as the cycle route through Tottenham Marshes to the north, and the Lee Valley path at Walthamstow Marshes to the south of the site, which extends to the Olympic Park.

Rose Jaijee, Walthamstow Wetlands Coordinator, explains:
“As a key focal point of the overall scheme, it was essential that the pathway was constructed with flair, high-quality workmanship and attention to detail."

To meet the landscape architect’s vision, we carefully constructed the pathway using a concrete with an exposed aggregate finish. After the concrete was poured, a retarder chemical spray was added before the surface was jet washed to create the exposed finish.

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As a key focal point of the overall scheme, it was essential that the pathway was constructed with flair, high-quality workmanship and attention to detail.

Rose Jaijee - Walthamstow Wetlands Coordinator

Outcomes

Mitigating the impact of our works was also a key consideration for the project, says Martin Phipps, Contracts Manager at FM Conway: “The area is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) with national and international status. The rich biodiversity of the site meant that we needed to work with extra care, with our works carefully programmed in partnership with Natural England.”

Rose added: “We’re delighted with the finished result, which is a credit to the ability of FM Conway’s team to skilfully execute the landscape design.”