What’s the score?
Just before the River Lea joins the Thames, a small finger of land between its meanders has been converted into a tiny ecology park.
The DLR cuts straight through the middle on a viaduct, but nestled beneath and around the tracks are a water meadow, reed beds, boardwalks, ponds and small wildflower meadows.
Tell me more …
Originally an Osier Bed (for growing willow) then an ironworks and coal wharf, Bow Creek Ecology Park is now a little wildlife oasis in the Docklands.
Although just a small park, there are a variety of habitats here including reed beds, views over the tidal mudflats, ponds and mini meadows. This means there are all sorts of birds and insects to spot including kingfisher and emperor dragonflies.
Great for …
- board walks
- pond dipping (look out for newts and water scorpions)
- watching the DLR
- bird spotting (Redshank and heron)
- blackberry picking
- wildflowers
Facilities …
- No cafe so bring a picnic or pick up a coffee on the way from Canning Town DLR
- Small covered seating area / outdoor classroom under the DLR bridge
- A small number of information boards around site
- No toilets
Access …
DLR to Canning Town (lifts at station). 5 min walk to site. Opening times.
Majority of site is buggy/wheelchair friendly (surfaced paths and viewing platforms over the ponds).
No parking.
Find out more …
See the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority for more details on wildlife and visiting.
East London Outside 