Our parks, woodlands, green spaces and Walthamstow Wetlands, the largest urban wetlands in Europe, play a vital role in our wellbeing, community life, and connection to nature. These spaces contribute to the incredible natural environments that surround us, which stretch into Epping Forest and the Lea Valley. 

Together, we can all play a role in helping nature thrive and protecting our environment. Across Waltham Forest, residents, community groups, expert partners and the council are joining forces to protect and enhance the environment from volunteering in our parks, taking part in Green Gym sessions, to planting trees, restoring habitats, and creating welcoming places for both people and wildlife. 

To support this shared effort, we are distributing 5,000 free trees and 250,000 bulbs to residents and volunteer groups, creating new and improved spaces for nature and local people to enjoy, building  new parklets and building rain gardens, and turning unused land into growing sites. We also provide young people with the tools needed to ensure future generations recognise the importance of our natural world at our environmental education centre, The Hive. 

Hear from Marc, who alongside his neighbours participates in creating a Bee Friendly Street.