New signs at the Wetlands
Residents and visitors, both human and bird, can now enjoy new, playful signs at Walthamstow Wetlands and at Coppermill Lane, thanks to a public art project by Europa and what if: projects, supported by Waltham Forest Council and St James Big Local. The new signs were installed this spring and the launch was celebrated on Wednesday 13 May with those involved in the project.
Co-created by residents, young people and local and international organisations through workshops, meetings, and collaborative design activities over the past two years, the new signs place birds and their migratory patterns at the heart of the Walthamstow Wetlands and Coppermill Lane area.
Concepts include signs “for birds to read”, visual language inspired by birds’ enhanced colour perception, and humorous interpretations such as menus, calls, and bird-oriented messages.
The project highlights the international journeys of migratory birds along the East Atlantic Flyway, connecting Walthamstow Wetlands and Coppermill Lane to wetlands across Europe and Africa.
Gareth Morris, Director of what if: projects, said: “The project is inspired by the unique landscapes near Coppermill Lane and celebrates collaboration with local people of all backgrounds and ages. It builds on the success of another impactful project developed with Europa, Flowers for Sutherland Road, located on shutters along the street, completed in 2024.”
The project included participants from the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority, Coppermill Lane Residents Group, Coppermill Primary School, the local community through workshops at The Mill, and guest contributor Chukwuike Ebuzome from Finima Nature Park, Nigeria.
Robert Sollis, Co-founder of Europa, said: “Just as migratory birds enrich the Lee Valley by travelling vast distances to make it their home, this project reminds us that migration – whether of birds or people – brings life, connection, and wonder to the places it touches.”
The project reflects local voices while connecting to a wider ecological network across the globe. The new signs reference these connections through design ideas such as “south-facing” signage and the identification of Ramsar-recognised wetlands (wetlands of international significance).
The project shows how we can link Walthamstow Wetlands to biodiversity across the globe through the migratory birds that visit the area, such as the Common Ringed Plover, Osprey, Black-tailed Godwit, Common Tern, and Red Knot, which all act as natural ambassadors between countries. It also considers how communication, through signage, colour, and symbols, might work across species and landscapes.
These signs will give you hoots of laughter on walks and they can be found on the approach to the Walthamstow Wetlands as shown on the Wetlands map site.