11 May 2011 Last updated at 08:30 ET

Plan to open Walthamstow wetlands to public

There are 10 reservoirs on the site in Walthamstow

A £10m project to open up the largest man-made body of water in London to the public has been unveiled.

The Walthamstow water treatment works is made up of 10 reservoirs and would be transformed into a nature reserve and wetland centre.

Improved wildlife habitats, play areas and nature trails would be created on the 4-sq-km (1.5-sq-mile) wetland area.

Several agencies are involved in bringing the plan, for the Thames Water owned land, to fruition.

'Brilliant resource'

The site in east London supplies more than 1.5 million people with tap water.

Under the plans there would be a "Water and Life" visitor centre where people can learn about nature conservation and the area's industrial heritage.

Various organisations, including councils in Hackney, Haringey and Waltham Forest which border the site, are currently working to raise funds for the project.

Waltham Forest Council Leader, Councillor Chris Robbins, said it would provide people with a place to escape "the hustle and bustle of everyday life".

He said: "This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to... create a unique nature reserve smack bang in the middle of London to provide a brilliant leisure resource to people living here."