SonicMaps
presents
Hayden Thorpe - Wetlands (Accessible Version)
Walthamstow Wetlands is a fully operational 160 hectare Thames Water reservoir site which is the main source of water supply for 3.5 million people. The Wetlands is also an internationally important nature reserve managed by London Wildlife Trust, providing home and shelter to a wide range of wildlife, from rare waterfowl to majestic birds of prey.
The site contains a range of habitats and experiences, from sheltered dense scrub-lined banks to wide windswept views towards the city.
Originally marshland, the area was transformed between the mid-1800s and early 1900s to supply London’s growing population with water. The waterworks remained closed to the public for over a century.
Since opening in 2017, its combination of crucial habitats, industrial history and accessible open space makes it both a vital ecological asset and a valued community resource. It is credited as being Europe’s largest urban wetland reserve.
The site contains a range of habitats and experiences, from sheltered dense scrub-lined banks to wide windswept views towards the city.
Originally marshland, the area was transformed between the mid-1800s and early 1900s to supply London’s growing population with water. The waterworks remained closed to the public for over a century.
Since opening in 2017, its combination of crucial habitats, industrial history and accessible open space makes it both a vital ecological asset and a valued community resource. It is credited as being Europe’s largest urban wetland reserve.
CREDITS:
Hayden Thorpe - Words & Music
Lucy Joy - String Arrangements
Propellor Ensemble - Strings & Clarinet
Molly Gromadzki - Readings
Alex Crabbe - Artwork & Design
Creator: BMG SYNC+
BMG SYNC+
Published: 25 February 2026
🎧Audio Samples
The Engine House
A TOWER MADE OF BRICK AND SWIFT
REACHES UP LIKE A HAND POINTING
TO THE EVER-ROTATING SKY
BATS AND JETS SCRIBBLE LOVING WORDS
IN UNBURST CLOUD
THEIR TRIANGLES MOVING AT SPEED
OVER INLAND SEAS
WE HAVE ALL TRAVELLED FAR TO BE HERE,
WELCOME.
Water Walker
I FEEL YOUR FORCE, YOU’RE HARDLY THERE
WATER WALKER ON THE ICE
YOU BETTER BELIEVE A MIRACLE MAKER
A WINTERGEIST WALKING ON WATER
London’s bodies of water rarely freeze nowadays. But before the world’s first manmade ice rinks were invented in the capital, Londoners got their skating fix when the city’s rivers, reservoirs and ponds froze over during the winter.
The River Thames even used to completely freeze over, and Londoners built temporary frost fairs to enjoy entertainment on the ice. This kind of outdoor skating came with its own obvious dangers – not just from other clumsy skaters. But it’s been enjoyed in London at least since the 12th century.
Century In Secret
SECRET CENTURY A WORLD IN VEIL, HIDDEN SKIN
OPEN THE GATES LET THE EYES POUR IN
POOLS OF LIGHT WHERE GIANTS LAY SLEEPING
PULL BACK THE VEIL, LET THE EYES POUR IN
POOLS OF LIGHT WHERE GIANTS WERE ONCE SLEEPING
Before the Walthamstow Wetlands opened its doors to the public in 2017, many of the 300,000 people who live within two miles of the site had no idea that a green space bigger than Richmond Park existed on their doorstep. It was a hidden realm, kept behind locked gates for over 150 years.