Wanstead Flats

Wanstead Flats is a broad stretch of open grassland in east London and the southernmost part of Epping Forest. It lies between Leytonstone and Wanstead and ends at Forest Gate to the south. It is one of the larger open spaces in this part of the city, used for both organised sport and quiet walks.

Where is Wanstead Flats?

The land now falls wholly within two London boroughs, Redbridge and Waltham Forest. Until 1994, two parts of it belonged to the London Borough of Newham. One was the section between Aldersbrook Road and Capel Road, east of the junction of Aldersbrook Road and St Margaret's Road. The other was the strip along Capel Road between its junctions with Centre Road and Ridley Road. The coordinates are roughly 51.5582 N, 0.0281 E.

Who looks after it?

As part of Epping Forest, the Flats are managed by the City of London Corporation. The Epping Forest Act of 1878 secured the land as public open space. For centuries before that it was used mainly for grazing.

What is the history of Wanstead Flats?

In 1946 West Ham Council tried to build permanent housing here. Local opposition and the Corporation of London stopped the plan. During the 1940s the area hosted prisoner-of-war camps and defensive artillery. Ditches were also dug across the grassland to stop aircraft landing, and accounts say they were still in use into the 1950s.

What to see and do

• Nature. The area is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, with about 11.5 hectares of acid grassland. It is an important breeding ground for threatened skylarks and supports rare plants and insects. Owls, wildflowers and fungi can also be found.
• Sport. A large part of the Flats is laid out as football pitches used for weekend leagues. The Brick Field area, once clay pits, covers a similar extent.
• Recreation. Visitors come for horse riding, cycling, running (including parkrun), cricket, kite flying, model aircraft and dog walking.

Frequently asked questions

Is Wanstead Flats a park? It is open grassland that forms part of Epping Forest, rather than a typical fenced city park. It is open to the public.

Is there an entrance fee? As protected public open space, it is open to visitors. For any charges for pitch use, check with the managing authority.

Who manages Wanstead Flats? The City of London Corporation, as with the rest of Epping Forest.

Why does the site matter for wildlife? Acid grassland and long grass provide habitat for skylarks, rare plants and insects, which is why the area is protected as an SSSI.

Which borough is it in? It lies within the London Boroughs of Redbridge and Waltham Forest, next to Leytonstone, Wanstead and Forest Gate.

Who is it for?

Wanstead Flats suits runners, dog walkers, cyclists and birdwatchers. For visitors it offers a look at green, open east London away from the centre. It pairs well with a trip to nearby Wanstead Park and other parts of Epping Forest.