October 2025

Restoration of Wanstead Park’s Ornamental Waters took a step forward last month with the clearing of vegetation from the dried-out lakebed.

“Our arborist team used a forestry mulcher to chop up any young trees and vegetation on the lakebed… This will allow the area to be assessed for its capacity to hold water and will help us to find a way forward for the lakes,” said a City of London Corporation spokesperson.

Historically, water was drawn from the River Roding to feed the Ornamental Waters, and the intention is to do so again.

“We are waiting for approval from the Environment Agency. This decision may not happen until well into 2026. In the meantime, we have consultants working on designs for the pump house… The complexity of this project is huge with many historical, environmental and external restrictions to consider.”

Local photographer Mike Edwards will be giving a presentation this month about the book he self-published in 2014, featuring the stories of local business owners.

“The idea for Shelf Life E11:E4:E18 came about during an environmental portraiture course at City Lit. I started by asking shopkeepers in Wanstead to ‘pose’ for me and found most happily agreed,” said Mike, whose talk for the Woodford Historical Society will take place at All Saints Church hall in Woodford Wells on 9 October from 2.30pm (visitors: £5).

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