Across Wanstead Flats a vast expanse of grassland stretches before you. This isn’t just any park. This is the southernmost tip of Epping Forest. For centuries it has been inseparable from the forest a crucial habitat for unique life.
Imagine a time long before London’s skyscrapers. In 1199 the Abbot of Stratford granted rights to graze livestock here. This ancient practice continued for generations. The heath’s conditions made it less appealing to the nobility. Commoners instead used this land freely. They dug peat for fuel a vital resource in a time before gas and electricity. It’s quite possible Wanstead Flats has been grassland or heath for over a thousand years.
The 17th century saw Wanstead Flats transform into a wet marshy area. A mineral spring at Bushwood became a popular spa. Today that spring typically runs dry. The heath was drained and planted in the 1800s creating the scrubland you see today.
The struggle for Wanstead Flats wasn’t without conflict. Before the Epping Forest Act enclosure of land caused conflict. The most famous occurred in 1871. Thirty thousand East Londoners stormed Wanstead Flats tearing down fences that blocked their access to traditional grazing land. It was a riotous response to the encroachment of landowners.
Wanstead Flats has served many purposes. It’s hosted fairs since the late 1800s. It served as a mustering point for soldiers. During World War II troops prepared for D-Day here. It even housed a prisoner of war camp. After the war prefabs provided temporary homes for those left homeless by bombing. Later annual Easter fairs and Hindu religious festivals drew massive crowds. More recently it even served as a temporary mortuary during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ecologically Wanstead Flats is extremely important. It’s a nesting site for skylarks and meadow pipits. Migratory birds such as the Ring Ouzel and Spotted Flycatcher visit in autumn. The nutrient-poor acid grassland supports a rich variety of plants and insects. A single square meter can hold a surprising number of species. This unique environment is the only known location within Epping Forest where Green Hairstreak butterflies can be found.
Grass fires are a constant threat. The 2018 fire was particularly devastating. It destroyed 100 hectares of grassland. The fire smouldered for days. Two years later another fire consumed 3 hectares. These fires highlight the fragility and vulnerability of this precious ecosystem. Most are human-caused by discarded cigarettes or glass bottles.
Despite the damage fire plays an important role. Some plants need intense heat to disperse seeds. Fungi may even provide fire retardant coatings to plant roots ensuring their survival. Displaced wildlife gradually returns. The balance of this ecosystem remains fragile.
Wanstead Flats has many habitats. Jubilee Pond teems with waterfowl both common and exotic. Alexandra Lake in contrast sees fewer birds. The views of London’s skyline are stunning. Parts of the flats feel like a park while others resemble playing fields or open heath. The scars of fires are slowly healing but stand as reminders of the ongoing challenge to protect this precious place.
Wanstead Flats is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. It offers a haven for wildlife. A testament to the resilience of nature near the heart of a busy city. It’s a place of history conflict and remarkable biodiversity. A place worth exploring.