Hackney waterway in the running for new wildlife-friendly reedbeds courtesy of charity Thames21

Reed leader: Ben Fenton heads up Thames21’s reedbed project. Photograph: Max Eckersley

Environmental charity Thames21 wants people to help choose the location for five new wildlife-friendly reedbeds as part of efforts to spruce up East End waterways.

An online poll will take place between February 13 and March 31, with nine spots along the Lea Navigation – five of which are in Hackney – battling it out.

Thames21’s Ben Fenton, who led a tour of the charity’s reedbed project last year, said: “We want people to enjoy their local river. By offering the chance to choose the location of reedbeds, we hope to create a sense of ownership and perhaps entice people to join us to install the reedbeds and look after them into the future.

“In our recent survey, more than 90 per cent of people said that reedbeds improve an area aesthetically. Luckily, they are great for rivers and the wildlife too. Recently, the public have spotted kingfishers on some of our reedbeds in Tottenham.”

Anyone who votes will automatically be entered into a draw to win prizes including London Eye tickets and goodies from The Five Points Brewery.

Reeding up: Thames21’s latest design sees reeds moved from land to water. Photograph: Max Eckersley.

The new reedbeds will be installed between April and September, and Thames21 is looking for volunteers to help out. The charity is offering free, accredited training to those who want to get involved, equipping them with the skills needed to look after rivers for years to come.

Cathy Purse, community manager for Thames Water, which is funding the project, said: “This is a fantastic project, providing communities with the opportunity to enhance their local area through wildlife as well as giving them key skills in habitat management.

“The public vote is a brilliant way of giving ownership, so communities can tell us where they would benefit most from the reedbeds installation. We’re proud to lend our support to such a worthwhile scheme.”

The five sites up for contention in Hackney are Mabley Green in Homerton, Lindisfarne Way in Lower Clapton, and Essex Wharf, Riverside Close and Springhill Sports Ground in Clapton.

To have your say when voting opens at 9am on February 13, please visit www.thames21.org.uk/reedbed-vote