Lee Valley Park

Herts/Essex

*Nyn Park

*Memories of Nyn

*The Grange

The Lee Valley Country Park is a very large tract of reclaimed gravel extraction land straddling the Herts/Essex borders, now returned to nature and which forms a wonderful habitat for water fowl and other wildlife.  It is crossed by several rivers:  

The name Lea or Lee (both are used, ‘Lee’ refers to the Navigation Channel and the Park Authority (Lee Valley Park Authority) originates from the original spelling ‘Ley,’ so you take your choice.

Below are a few of my photographs taken in the park, and a little information on what can be found there. I hope you enjoy.

There are hides from which to watch birds although a key is needed during the week.  The hides are open to all at weekends.

The park is much used and, therefore, is fairly busy at weekends in particular. The only ‘blot on the landscape’ is the view-spoiling pylons traversing it; there is an electricity power transformer station in the centre.

There are private boating and fishing clubs in the park but swimming is not advisable owing to copious algae and various other ‘nasties’ lurking in the deep!

 As many of the paths are metalled, it is suitable for wheelchair users; other paths are gravelled or simply mud-tracks.

The park is also a wonderful place to take photographs or simply to sit beside the water on a hot summer’s day and watch the herons and other fishermen.

For those who don’t object to being dive-bombed, there is a dragonfly centre at the Waltham Abbey area of the park.  Also in this area is the Waltham Abbey Showground, a fine sight on a Sunday when it is filled with brightly coloured gazebos and portable barbeques.  For those not bothered about cooking, there is a hot dog stand available.  (There are also similar eateries situated at Broxbourne and Fishers Green).  There are a number of busy but good pubs along the Lee Navigation too and a friendly café alongside the towpath at Waltham Abbey.

All details of the park, leaflets, permits, angling day-tickets etc., can be obtained from the Information Centre situated in the park at Waltham Abbey info@leevalleypark.org.uk and is well worth a visit.  It is also advisable to obtain a map of the park (these can usually be obtained from the hides as well as from the Centre).

It is a marvellous place for cycling and the towpath along the Lea Navigation leads into East London.

It is possible to hire cycles and this is a highly recommended method of getting about as there is much to see and the park comprises some 1000 acres. There is also boat hire available.

If you choose to pay the park, its rivers, wildlife and water-filled gravel pits a visit, I hope you enjoy your time there but don’t fall in!

Penny

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Lee Valley Regional Park Information Service
Lee Valley Park Farm
Stubbins Hall Lane
Crooked Mile
Waltham Abbey
Essex
EN9 9EG

Tel: 01992 702200
Email: info@leevalleypark.org.uk

Information desk open 10am - 4.00pm daily

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Lee Valley Regional Park Authority Head Office:

Myddelton House, Bulls Cross, Enfield, Middlesex,  EN2 9HG

Tel: 01992 717711,  Fax: 01992 719937

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All site content copyright P A Roberts 2007 - all rights reserved.