Hackney Marshes is undoubtedly a haven to many, but this hasn’t been the case for local wildlife. Things are changing, however, as environmental groups celebrate the comeback of local habitats.
A resurgence of voles, kestrels, wood mice, and other small mammals has been seen along the River Lea as hundreds of volunteers helped to rebuild ecosystems.
This includes building log piles and learning how to coppice trees (selectively felling to promote growth).
“Voles, kestrels, smooth newts, and whitethroat, which is a fly-catching bird: all of these species we know are now on the marshes that weren’t there five years ago” – Russell miller
The Old Lea and Marshes Restoration Project has been funded by Hackney Council, the Environment Agency and the Mayor of London. The project was launched in 2023, with a collaboration of the groups, Wildlife Gardeners of Haggerston (WGH), Re Nature London, and Save Lea Marshes.
The project focuses on the restoration of habitats in the water and on riverbanks, alongside small mammal restoration through the creation of habitats around the river and gardens with pollinating plants.
According to Russell Miller, co-founder of ReNature London and an ecologist on the project: “The increase in wildlife has been phenomenal. We’ve got at least four species we know have come back to the marshes.”
“Voles, kestrels, smooth newts, and whitethroat, which is a fly-catching bird: all of these species we know are now on the marshes that weren’t there five years ago.”
Ian Phillips, an ecologist on the project, said: “Multiple factors have taken their toll on this habitat leading to a reduction in biodiversity in the last 20 to 25 years.” These include residents of houseboats taking firewood, and a general increase in the number of houseboats travelling up the River Lea; visitors walking over natural habitats; and, crucially, “the whole so-called Hackney Beach craze”.
“Every summer, so many people gather on the banks of the Old River Lea in one of the most polluted rivers in the country, partying, playing loud music, and burning logs which obviously has a massive impact on wildlife,” Phillips added.
The pandemic was the main catalyst for the project, according to Miller. “The genesis of this project was a realisation that the increased use of the marshes during and after lockdown, particularly the recreational use of the river, and the huge increase in the number of dogs, had led to significant habitat degradation, such that we were beginning to lose species.”
As a final message for visitors to Hackney Marshes, Miller said: “The marshes are a fantastic wildlife haven, and they can be better if we all work together to prioritise wildlife. It doesn’t mean people can’t do the other things they want to do. They just want to be a little wildlife sensitive.”
Isabella is a news reporter at Hackney Post, with a special interest in social affairs and lifestyle content. She has been published in several titles, including The Independent, Daily Mirror, The i (Paper) and Food and Travel magazine. She is constantly looking for news and new angles, please don't hesitate to get in contact.