“When we first visited the Cody Dock reedbed, close to the mouth of the River Lea, in late 2010, it was instantly clear what a wonderful place it was and how damaged it had become,” writes Theo Thomas of Thames21 in a just published Project Reedbed Report.

It was the Cody Dock reeds which inspired this report on creating new reedbeds on the River Lea between Enfield Lock and Bromley-by-Bow. It reveals that at present only 8% of the river, which has poor water quality, currently benefits from reedbeds.

John Bryden, Biodiversity Officer for the Lea Catchment at the Environment Agency, said: “Over the next five years we hope to see a number of the recommendations of the report implemented, leading to a substantial change in the look and amenity value of the River Lee Navigation. This will allow for more wildlife to inhabit the river and will hopefully allow for more people to enjoy themselves in and around the area.”

Programmes Manager Theo Thomas said: “This research sets out very clearly how important reedbeds are for our river systems and wider environment.

“This solution is within our grasp and will help make the Lea healthier. It also provides specific guidance on where and how they can be implemented for far-reaching benefits to water health, biodiversity and social and amenity value.”

Boris Johnson’s 2020 Vision for London includes a call to “four-track the Greater Anglia line up the Lea Valley” and praises the “wildflower meadows by the Lea”.

Sadly the section on the Lower Lea makes no mention of the Lea Valley Walk or the failure of the defunct London Thames Gateway Development Corporation (LTGDC) to complete its work on extending the riverside path down the tidal Lea.

The successor quango has a zone which avoids the problem.

An £80,000 crossing is needed at Cody Dock on the Newham bank now to unlock the potential.

The Mayor’s claims about the Queen Elizabeth Park being “a destination for sport, entertainment and leisure” including cycle paths would be more convincing if the cycle and walking routes connected.

The towpath between Stonebridge Lock and Tottenham Lock has been resurfaced.

The cost was a staggering £305,000 paid for by Transport for London.

It seems that the needs of cyclists was the driving force for the improvements.

This stretch is unusual in having water on two sides thanks to a re-routed of Pymmes Brook.

Young Tom is sailing down the River Lea to raise money for the Cody Dock bridge which is vital for the Lea Valley Walk.

Check progress here and support the campaign.

Lea Bridge Station, between Tottenham Hale and Stratford, is to reopen.

The announcement was made today by Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin.

The station will consist of two platforms, a new footbridge and lifts, waiting shelters and cycle storage.

The station, on the north side of Lea Bridge Road and closed since 1985, will be handy for those starting or leaving the Lea Valley Walk at Lea Bridge.

The reopening is an initiative of Waltham Forest Council and it is the minister’s expectation that work should begin without too much delay.

Diamond Geezer has a reminder about fun at Three Mills today.

There will be beating bounds around Leyton Marsh on Rogation Sunday 5 May.

All are welcome to join in the procession which leaves the Princess of Wales next to Lea Bridge at 2.15pm.

This year the walk is due to follow the southern boundary of the Leyton Lammas Lands.

Rogation processions round the parish praying for a good harvest date from the early 8th century. In some places it was also the custom to check that the boundary stones remained in place and ceremonially beat them with willow wands as in the Lea Valley.

Full details are on the Save Leyton Marsh website.

There is a guided day out on the Lea Valley Walk on Sunday 14 April.

The three mile walk, promoted by the Lea Valley Park, will look at industrial heritage including filter beds, natural history, the impact of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and Three Mills.

The start is at 9.30am from the WaterWorks Nature Reserve, Lammas Road, off Lea Bridge Road E10 7QB.

There will be a tour of House Mill at the end about 4pm.

To book a place, £15, go to the Field Studies Council website.

Waltham Forest Council is working on a plan to reopen Lea Bridge Station.

The station, on the Startford-Tottenham Hale line, is on the north side of Lea Bridge Road. It opened in 1840 and closed in 1985.

Funding appears to be available from the Olympic Park regeneration

This station could provide a handy alternative to Clapton Station for those starting or leaving the Lea Valley Walk at Lea Bridge.

It’s Walk London’s Winter Wanders Weekend on 26 and 27 January.

The free guided Lea Valley walk starts at Tottenham Hale Station at 11am on Saturday 26 January.

The six mile walk goes south to Three Mills and then down the Limehouse Cut to the Thames.

No booking is required. Expect it to take about three hours.