DOZENS of mums, dads and children swarmed to the river Roding this morning to discover the secrets of its reed-covered banks.

The event, organised by Redbridge Council's Nature Conservation team, saw two rangers talk about the varied wildlife, history and issues surrounding the section of the waterway running through Woodford Green.

The rangers spoke of their efforts trying to monitor the river's water vole population, along with the populations of under-threat house sparrows and bats in the area.

Families also got a chance to view a new bank and pond created near to Ray Lodge Park which conservation teams hope will help to partly alleviate the regular flooding which hits the river.

Ranger Naomi Collingham said: "It's been great to see such a good turnout today, even though the weather forecast wasn't too good.

"The children seem to really enjoy it and it's also very educational for them. It's also about raising awareness of some of the environmental problems we face.”

Nine-year-old nature enthusiast Andrew Hughes said: "I've really enjoyed being here today, I think it's all very interesting.

"I like finding out about all the plants and I'd like to see some of the animals if I can spot them."

"I have a map at home with all the places in Redbridge and Essex I want to see. I want to go to Fairlop Waters next."

The rangers also spoke of how the legacy of lining parts of the river with concrete in the post-war era had contributed to worse flooding in recent decades, with parts of the Roding unable to cope with high volumes of water from rain.

For more information about events in the borough's green spaces, call the Nature Conservation team on 8501 1426.