Over Marsh Lane Fields & across Hackney Marshes (4K)

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Just heard that Waltham Forest Council have Rejected the application to hold the music festival on the Waterworks site - which is great news. Congratulations to Claire Weiss, Wetlands Steve and others for running such a spirited campaign to protect this precious envorinment.

[@CitrusSimon]

Fantastic news John! i was really concerned that the water works nature reserve may get trashed by a festival. It does actually feel like being in the country side in places in there. It is such a delightful place. I am a musician, and I think it would be better to to keep the music festivals at Victoria park.

[@robertbarling5601]

Pleased to hear that John. The site must be respected

[@LoisDavidsonArt]

Helping to keep me calm and sane through the madness of 2020... Thank you John!

[@JohnRogersWalks]

that's wonderful to hear Lois - the walking keeps me on an even keel too

[@smilevideobritain499]

Sir. pleased to meet you. You are very good at presenting and commentating. I came across this by chance and realy enjoyed my view. it's all so natural. thank you

[@JohnRogersWalks]

many thanks SmileVideo - much appreciated

[@johnhodiak8919]

As ever, thank you so much John.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

My pleasure John

[@keithgodwin7021]

Thanks John for another enjoyable video.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

cheers Keith

[@stephenpinder9567]

Lovely John. Thank You.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

thanks Stephen

[@N30312]

And thank you very much for taking us along with you!

[@JohnRogersWalks]

My pleasure Don

[@paulmorris3613]

Once again another pleasurable walk with interesting information. Thank you.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Paul

[@jamesjohnmoss8130]

Another great film, pretty much viewed all of them now, and waiting for new ones.Great stuff, please keep filming.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks James

[@stuartwhittaker2220]

Thank you John for these great walks

[@JohnRogersWalks]

My pleasure Stuart thanks for watching

[@littleacornslandscapes2935]

As always, thanks John.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

my pleasure Little Acorns - thanks for watching

[@stevegee7593]

Nice walk John. Had to watch it twice-

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Steve

[@AndrisLelisTravelChanel]

Nice walk and story too. Great video.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

thanks Andris

[@humble4533]

Thank you John for providing us with great information,beautifully shot video and a welcome relief from lockdwn. Wishing you and your family continued good health and look forward to the next video

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Humble and all the best to you and yours

[@mariannehawes9609]

We found your videos when we got our new TV and they have been keeping us sane during the lockdown...thank you

[@JohnRogersWalks]

That's wonderful to hear Marianne

[@themeanderingmedic8533]

Beautiful cinematography. Have you noticed how clear the air is and how vibrant the colours are this year. Noticed it walking in Leicestershire..

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Many thanks. Yes the air is noticeably clearer - I particularly notice it at night. And living on two flight paths the lack of planes is fantastic

[@robertbarling5601]

Thanks John for making lockdown more bearable. Yes squirrel girl you are right about the comfrey, i have some in my garden. Bob.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Bob

[@COBBETT1215]

Lovely lyrical video. Much needed.

[@BritishBoy1971]

Another fine video. Thank you John! 🙂👍

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Rottie

[@chriswhiteman5082]

So relaxing to watch this. Thank you.

[@IanPhillipsWildlife]

On my home patch, wonderful stuff John. Thanks for raising awareness about the threat of the Waterworks festival.

[@hannahedwards4151]

Great video John! My hometown! Loved the history 👍🏾

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Hannah

[@frostfox1208]

Thanks John,. I like the way you focus on simple things. A thistle and dandelion get their chance to shine.

[@GreyGhost.]

Ace , thanks John.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

cheers Paul

[@davidfarrell7373]

Man..that was therapeutic. A massive thank you to you John. 👍 Dave

[@JohnRogersWalks]

my pleasure David - glad you enjoyed it

[@medwaypeninsulaMR]

Most enjoyable as always John - Brought back some more memories this time games lessons at Ive Farm , Keep well and looking forward to the next one ……………….Cheers Kev

[@JohnRogersWalks]

cheers Kev

[@leefig6089]

Outstanding, thank you

[@tomgirldouble3249]

Great walk as always john, thank you and stay safe XX 😀😍

[@JohnRogersWalks]

cheers Tomgirl

[@richardclark148]

Another great walk Jonn..thing to look at and a bit of history or legend ...a great combination

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Glad you enjoyed it Richard

[@welshcake8086]

Must explore the Marsh Lane and Leyton side of the marshes now. Really enjoying your videos.

[@alexthomson7465]

Round of applause for another great walk! I am going to do this for sure one day this week. I'll do it in reverse as Hackney marshes are just down the road. Thanks for more inspiration John!

[@JohnRogersWalks]

My pleasure Alex - hope you enjoy the walk

[@LouiseHaRrIs76]

Hi John, great vid, thanks! The flower you referred to as himilayian balsam is in fact the comfrey plant. It makes an excellent feed for tomatoes, bees love it, can make a poultice for sprains or bruises. An amazing plant!

[@ralphwinter6421]

Thanks Squirrel Girl.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks for the correction- one day I’ll learn my plants

[@welshcake8086]

Comfrey great plant and very pretty.

[@LouiseHaRrIs76]

@@welshcake8086 It grows in abaundance on our allotment. I make my own special feed from the leaves, wonderful brown liquid, but be warned very smelly! Yes it is a beautiful plant for us & the bees to enjoy.

[@raymondpenalver7095]

It's always a great joy to watch your walks John and learn a thing or too about the local history. Would love to see something more about the New River and its history. Thanks again for what you do, awesome channel !

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Raymond, wonderful to hear. There are a few stretches of the New River in various Lea Valley videos here on the channel but I really want to walk the whole thing one day

[@mikesaunders4775]

I am from the opposite end of London and apart from playing one match on Hackney Marshes for a sunday league team have only visited the area when Fulham were away to Leyton Orient.You are doing a fantastic job in educating the wider public about the hidden beauty and fascinating history of this corner of East London.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Mike - hope you make it back over here some time

[@EdwynUK]

This walk and the previous Olympic Park walk have been my regular lockdown walks. Right on my doorstep and at my favourite time of year, although I fear these walks will never be as quiet and secret as they once were! Wonderful films, thank you!

[@michaelgilbey6692]

I really enjoyed the video. in 1951 age 5 which evoked many memories, I used to go to Church Road Infants School, now called Willow Brook which has Marsh Lane running alongside.. Even at that tender age, we used to walk to school on our own. No school run in those days. Sometimes I used to cut through Ive Farm close to the marshes, and walk alongside the Dagenham Brook to Marsh Lane. The land at that point used to be like a deserted mini-plateau, and Orient Way which I have never seen did not exist then.

[@mattydsmith]

Thank you again John for your video. Today was the first time I saw the Thames in 8 weeks or so, but I've adored getting to know E11 and Epping Forest a little bit more over that time. I've followed some of your walks.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

My pleasure Matt, there's so much to explore in the local area. I went across the Greens at Wanstead yesterday for the first time since the lockdown, it was a glorious moment

[@minijames2777]

What a lovely walk👍🏼

[@dai19721]

thank you once again buddy

[@JohnRogersWalks]

my pleasure David

[@timbuthfer901]

Superb John. Still waiting for you to buy the packraft and float down the lea from Hackney to the Thames, that would be great 😀. I've never been over the bridge across the eurostar terminal, will try that walk. The wildlife is wonderful, beautifully filmed as always.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Tim - that would be an amazing journey - you can do kayak trips along the Thames that I'd be tempted to do one day

[@jacquelinepaddock7535]

Nice to see your cheery face. Your walks compensate for me not getting out much as I am still wobbly from covid 19. Keep well.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Sorry to hear about your illness Jacqueline - all the best for a full recovery - take care!

[@lameduck3630]

Hey John, Would you ever consider doing a little trip down the River Lea by boat? Or does that not in fact 'float your boat'?

[@JohnRogersWalks]

I’d love to take a journey down the Lea by boat

[@imranzazai7404]

Very nice and beautiful.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Imran

[@davidglass1141]

As per my tweet John, Excellent presentation. Blending local history and laid back enjoyment of hidden gems Down Saaf.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

cheers David and thanks for the tweets

[@rossybink]

Really enjoy your videos, you have shown me bits of London I have never ventured to. I live in Hitchin and do some nice walks around the Hicca Way. Thanks!

[@JohnRogersWalks]

I'll look the Hicca Way up Rossy - sounds good

[@gmdavies6758]

Lovely film

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Mark & Sarah

[@gideonmerideon]

Another beautiful showcase of our hidden local gems. How about a walk from the view tube on the greenway to the Limehouse basin via 3 mills, ropemakers field etc? I usually then continue to Blackfriars bridge via the Thames path- through wapping- the old wapping stairs have an amazing Dickensian feel about them. I don’t know if that’s breaking lockdown rules to go that far? Hope you and your family are ok. Looking forward to your new book.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

that's a cracking walk Gideon. A few years back now I walked down from Hackney to Limehouse Basin with the family and we caught the boat to Westminster and walked back to St. Paul's. A great day that lives long in the memory

[@mariaherbert1469]

Thankyou. Lovely corona walks. So much to take in each time. The trees applaud you lol.

[@rambling_rob7035]

Great walk, John. I too, am camped near a historic river. The North Platte River near where the pioneers crossed the plains on the Oregon Trail. Have a great week.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

That sounds fantastic Rob - would love to visit that part of the world one day

[@mozdickson]

oh well, I may as well scribble on this wall as well.....thanks John, I stayed in a great AirBnB in Forest Glen in 2018, if only I'd twigged that such unadorned strolls amidst trees and a pleasant river were nearby....keep walking

[@ThePORTYDAVE]

Love it. Like a little therapy vid. Wonder if Hawthorn Blossom is the aroma I associate with Waterlow Park/Highgate Cemetery? Kinda sweetish. Have you walked the New River through Enfield Town/Gentleman's Row? Very pleasant.

[@john80c]

Excellent video of an area I like to see. Whenever I hear the word marshes I think of stories I read as a kid about smugglers in the 18th century-they always seem to hide their loot in churches built on the marshes.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks John - I love the idea of smugglers on the Lea Marshes

[@loughtonfolkclub827]

Hi John Great video, how that area has changed. I was the Nature Reserve Warden at the Essex and Middlesex Filter Beds for over 10 years before the Olympics came. I also used to do wildlife surveys on that stretch of the Lea. It was a major spawning ground for the Bream and had breeding Kingfishers. My favourite part of the River Lea. Gary

[@JohnRogersWalks]

What an amazing job Gary and you must have done great work judging by how abundant it is now.

[@jimkrahn7079]

Thx for the walk and looking forward to the next one when ever that may be 😎cheers 🇨🇦

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Jim

[@666moparman]

What else would you want? A pint at the pub would be nice. Love the video.

[@JagBetty]

The Last Kingdom is my favourite series on Netflix, great stuff. Such a chilled out stroll there John. All those wild flowers and aromas beaten by the thought of a pint in the pub.😁👍😎🍺

[@JohnRogersWalks]

cheers Jag - we really need to catch up with the Last Kingdom, only watched Season 1 so far

[@jamiemorris5177]

Love these videos just so relaxing And as I use to live in Leytonstone great to see what it’s like now

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Jamie

[@blaz3ofglory570]

Is that a 5G mast I see @ 0:50? Relaxing and informative vid, thanks.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Possibly - it’s on a recycling centre I think it’s been there a while though.

[@lesliegprice6652]

A lovely walk around Ley Town,great to see you again, over on the 'Ackney Marshes, Luverly Jubbly,take care, Stay Alert, whatever that means......

[@JohnRogersWalks]

thanks Lesley

[@daveconyard8946]

Thanks John Keep safe Mate.Dave from Walthamstow now in yourkshire a JEM nice one.x

[@JohnRogersWalks]

cheers Dave

[@TaraPanesar]

Great video

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Tara

[@chrismccartney8668]

Great video area changed spent my time fishing in resevoirs at coppermill and ferry boat and being chased off by guards also used to play around some huge marshalling yards somewhere near whete this walk was yards ran lea bridge area to Stratford Chobham Farm my Nan said they a major target for Jerry as she used to say as major rail transport hub.. Is there any left of them the Lee valley frim Brimsdown to Lea Mouth was a very important industrial area...in WW2.

[@sjc66100]

Ha!.Shame i didn`t bump into you John.I walked the same route on the same day with my son who lives at the top of Marsh Lane..One day our paths will cross and undoubtedly i will pester you.A beautiful oasis of wide open space away from the brick and mortar cluster.

[@llionellis]

Thanks for showing me around where my daughter lives, one day soon hopefully we will be able to see her again.

[@zugbug1986]

I have recently discovered your channel and subscribed and find it so relaxing to watch. Thankyou John and keep up the good work.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Cheers Andy

[@Mick_Holland]

A lovely film, John, and a great way to finish the weekend - if the 'weekend' is still a thing these days. Cheers 👍🏼

[@velvetindigonight]

Shock horror the beautiful bluey/mauve flowered plant you pointed out down by the River Lea is not Himalayan Balsam John it is native Comfrey aka as 'Knitbone' for obvious reasons also makes a great fertiliser when left to stand in a bucket of water for a week! Fab walk as ever. Thank you. Enjoy

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks for that Helen - I must work harder on my plant identification

[@unchattytwit]

Hi John, hope you're all well. Not Himalayan Balsam that's the prolific pink plant found along riverbanks but Comfrey.

[@fallinbing7291]

I walk ,and/or cycle this very are every day, live in Stokey and used to work in Walthamstow. A precious landscape for East London, filled with history and wildlife. So many people enjoy the Marshes.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks for the info, I'm really going to have to work on my plant identification

[@unchattytwit]

And to be honest your birds!

[@tracik1277]

The round of applause from the trees was for you John! They have missed you! 😄

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Ah thanks Traci

[@roxysimmons]

You mentioned damp grass and cow parsley and for some reason I started really craving a Pimms 😄

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Ha that’s a great association

[@jazzman9042]

With a cup of tea in one hand and a Belgian bun in the other, what could be more satisfying than a walk around the fields and streams of East London. Every time I see the Lea, I can't help but think of all that this ancient water way has seen of the endless years. From the Black Death to our 2020 virus it is not flustered or moved, but simply carries on with it work of draining the land by flowing steadily down to the Thames and out to sea. Another slurp of tea me thinks! Super job as always John. Great music, great stills of wild flowers and munching a Belgian bun. I'm one happy chappy. :-D

[@JohnRogersWalks]

wonderful comment Michael, many thanks. I want a Belgian bun now

[@ralphwinter6421]

Thanks John, Great walk.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Cheers Ralph

[@trendtraderx]

purple flower plants looked like comfrey to me.

[@tarquin4518]

I spent many hours on the pitch and putt, but never managed to become a decent golfer. That area is like an oasis and thanks to those who put a stop to a music festival being held there. I’d rather listen to the songs of the blackbird, wren and robin than the monotonous thump, thump tuneless drivel that masquerades under the title of ‘music.’

[@voxley19]

Wonderful excursion and video John. I've just posted a video of a walk to Boudicca's Obelisk that you might be interested in.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Thanks Voxley - I'll take a look

[@KitoTodd]

Thanks John for Another wonderful video! That river looks so peaceful💙and the wildflowers absolutely beautiful💚and I agree that a music festival there is definitely a bad idea! The bird's would really be affected in a bad way by all that loud music+ crowd noise!

[@billonwusah3292]

We normally walk this area regularly. I was told, rightly or wrongly that the an invasion force sailed up the River Lea and was stopped by Alfred. They also found an ancient boat in the Lea. Marsh Lane fields in common with many other areas close to the Lea is significantly higher due to second world war bomb damage that was deposited here from central London. It caused significant issues with new allotments that were set up here (not the ones moved from the Olympic site) as the soil was rubbish and they had to add decent topsoil. The allotments are now well developed.

[@jonpilling5464]

Great to see a lot of greenery and wild meadow near the capital. I am missing a pint in a pub too .

[@mattydsmith]

just read your comment as John said it. What I'd do for a pint in a pub...

[@JohnRogersWalks]

I reckon the 4th of July could be the day

[@MrEng65]

Watcha John has been busy I see keep going won't cha.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Cheers John, I'll keep going no matter what

[@nickname1812]

Beautiful. Apart from the football pitches an area I never really knew from my life there in the 60s. Cannot wait for the next walk....

[@chrismccartney8668]

To answer my oen question it was temple mills and incuded wagon and carriage works emoloyed 800...

[@CyclingSteve]

The little beach on the Lea used to be a secret only known by dog walkers and the odd hammocker, unfortunately it looks more like spring break in Florida on a hot day now. I'm sure the same crowd will be at the waterworks festival if they get their 3 year license. My objection to the festival was rejected because WF council said impact on wildlife was not a consideration for the licensing committee.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Good news today Steve - the application has been Rejected

[@CyclingSteve]

@@JohnRogersWalks I saw, I think I'll take a walk over there later. :)

[@monkeytrousers6180]

Those goal posts were erected by Nicholas Hawksmoor. They align with hyperdimensional kabbalistic passageways.

[@JohnRogersWalks]

Just as I suspected

[@MeTheRob]

Not a lot of people know that.

[@akillin09]

I worked on the pitch and putt back in 2007 the pylons was on the point of being taken down and the cable's put undergorund the kissing bridge at the back was a nice point to look over the mashes like big red lips as a contractor to Lea valley it was a very sad day when 2012 wanted all the land

[@julianshepherd2038]

Not Himalayan balsam. Borage or comfrey

[@woden20]

Beware - this sign has sharp edges

[@kathleenfleming4222]

Here is another talk by Claire from last week on Lea Bridge Farm kzbin.info/www/bejne/mIeblqeLd9acoLM

[@MH-ln6pv]

Tostig? Splitter.

[@ellechandler536]

😡😎😙🤒😎