Work on the construction of a new wildlife and birdwatching hub will get underway next month.

Plans to replace the existing 35-year-old Bittern Information Point at Lee Valley Regional Park Authority’s Fishers Green site in Waltham Abbey, were announced last year.

The new venue will have a viewing tower offering panoramic views of Seventy Acres Lake, a ‘living’ roof for wildlife and CCTV cameras along the lake.

Work will also be undertaken in the reedbed in front of the hide to improve the habitat for otters, smew, bittern and other animals.

Construction for a new Kingfisher nesting bank opposite the hide are expected to be completed in the major makeover.

Project manager Paul Roper said: ‘‘We’re delighted to announce that work on the replacement of the Bittern Information Point is about to start.

‘‘The planned habitat works will enhance the area and make it even more of a haven for wildlife while the new Wildlife Discovery Centre will attract and inspire people to learn more about this unique and fascinating area and find out why it is such a special place for wildlife.

“We also hope the educational elements will inspire everyone, particularly young people, to become caretakers of wildlife and play their part in the preservation of nature, just as Lee Valley Regional Park Authority is doing by investing in this new, outstanding facility.”

The new Wildlife Discovery Centre will open its doors this summer and is expected to become one of the most popular wildlife spotting areas in the 26-mile long Lee Valley Regional Park.

Initial project work will get underway in mid-February when the Bittern Information Point will be closed to the public.

This will be followed by a 16-week programme of work to demolish and construct the new Wildlife Discovery Centre, which will commence at the beginning of March.

Some nearby paths will be closed from Monday, March 9, to ensure the safety of the public and the contractors.

Regular updates will be available via visitleevalley.org.uk/wildlifecentre