marketing and PR

EDITORIAL: LEE VALLEY REGIONAL PARK

Attracting over 4 million visitors a year the 26 mile Lee Valley Regional Park offers urban green spaces, heritage sites and country parks through London, Hertfordshire and Essex.

With over 46 miles of waterways, 57 miles of walkways and cycleways, and a wide range of leisure facilities the Regional Park attract fishers, boaters, walkers and cyclists. The Park is also a key regional wildlife destination offering an incredible eight Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), four Special Protection Areas (SPA) and four nature reserves.

Lea Bridge Road in Leyton offers an assortment of leisure and nature sites. The Lee Valley Riding Centre benefits from both indoor and outdoor arenas and is a designated RDA centre giving people of all abilities the opportunity to have a go a horse riding. The WaterWorks's Nature Reserve has an amazing 500 species of insect and 25 species of bird, while the Golf Centre's par 3, 18 hole course is a great place to burn off some energy. Meanwhile, the Lee Valley Ice Centre is the perfect venue to get your skates on and cool off with friends and family.

Lee Valley Regional Park has a number of heritage sites. Waltham Abbey's rich history dates back to King Harold in the 11th Century and is a beautiful place to take a picnic and enjoy the scent of Abbey Garden's roses. Moving out of Essex and into Hertfordshire, Rye House Gatehouse has its own unique past. The site of the failed assassination plot of King Charles II and the Duke of York, there are plenty of opportunities to learn about its turbulent history and take strolls around riverside trails. Myddelton House Gardens was owned by the revered early 20th century plantsman and botanist, EA Bowles. The gardens are home to a national collection of award-winning Iris, thousands of naturalised bulbs and many plants of real character.

For those who want to take it a bit easier, there is also the opportunity to hire a boat and take in some of the most beautiful views in the country. Riverside trails and picnic spots also make Lee Valley Regional Park the ideal destination in which to take a leisurely stroll and unwind.

A stone's throw from London, Lee Valley Regional Park is easily accessible by the M1, M11 and M25, by train on One Railway's Lee Valley Line and by bus and underground. Lee Valley Regional Park has a varied programme of events, including the NEW Lee Valley Spring Wildlife Weekend on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 April at the Regional Park's, WaterWorks Nature Reserve, Leyton and it's FREE!

The event has something for all age groups and for all interests - so whether you are an avid birdwatcher or a budding wildlife enthusiast there will be something for everyone. We are delighted to welcome Simon King and Chris Packham to this year's event, along with lecture programmes, children's activities, natural crafts and much more.

For an events guide, or to find out about more about the different sites, facilities and activities that Lee Valley Regional Park offers visit www.leevalleypark.org.uk or call xxxxxxxx.

--ENDS--