Stoke Newington Reservoirs & Conservation Areas Natural History Site. This ebsite covers various areas around the Stoke Newington area.

The Reservoirs Nature Society (TeRNS) is the group for everyone interested in the wildlife and nature of the Stoke Newington reservoirs nature reserve and conservation areas, including Abney Park nature reserve, Clissold Park, and Allens Gardens.

As a group we are dedicated to the study, conservation, and improvement of all the natural habitats in our area, for the benefit of everyone who enjoys wildlife and nature. 

Stoke Newington Reservoirs
They are designated a "Site of Metropolitan Importance for Conservation ", and were declared a protected conservation area in 1986. Completed in 1833 they comprise 17 hectares of open water - Hackney's most significant wetland area.
Map Ref: TQ325874

Abney Park
Abney Park Cemetery is Hackney’s first Local Nature Reserve. Opened in 1840, two and a half thousand trees were planted to create a garden cemetery of 13 hectares - central London's largest woodland. Classified a site of metropolitan importance for conservation, it is indispensable habitat for many species of birds, butterflies, bats, and mammals.

Bird species to be seen here, which do not appear on our reservoirs birdlist, include Tawny Owl, Firecrest, Bullfinch and Nuthatch.

Butterflies include the largest inner London population of the Speckled Wood, with Purple Hairstreak and Large Skipper, alongside many of those mentioned on our butterfly list.
Wildflowers to note are Wood Spurge and Hairy St. John Wort, (neither of which probably occur elsewhere in Hackney) Deadly Nightshade, Enchanter, Nightshade, Herb Robert, Dog’s Mercury, Wood Forget-me not, Hedge Woundwort, Lesser Celandine, Creeping Jenny, and Hoary Ragwort.
Map Ref: TQ333868

Clissold Park
Described as "singularly attractive" by nineteenth century ornithologist W.H. Hudson, was originally a private estate. Opened to the public in 1889 there are 21.5 hectares of landscaped grounds. Paths bordered by mature Chestnuts surround a curving section of the New River, close to a deer enclosure, aviary, and Butterfly tunnel (latter open 12.30 - 14.30, Tuesday and Thursday, May to September, weather and staff permitting). Two artificial lakes, each with an island, and adjacent areas at the north end of the park are managed as wildlife refuges. Unusual birds seen in the park recently include an Egyptian Goose, and a Garden Warbler.
Map Ref: TQ326866

Allens Gardens
Created in 1868, the main entrance is in Bethune Road, just north of Abney Park. Attractive, small, woody public park by Holmleigh Cuttings west bank nature reserve. Home to woodland species and warblers. In March 2005 up to 50 waxwings roosted.
Map Ref: TQ333872