Wanstead Park is a Grade 2* listed historic landscape. It is laid out over 140 acres of woodland and extensive artificial lakes by the river Roding. The Park and lakes were provided for the occupants of Wanstead House, once one of the largest mansions in the UK but demolished 1823/4. Features include the Temple, with exhibits on park history from Roman times and the Grotto, a romantic ruin. The major areas of interest are history and development of the park and nature. Extensive woodland and grassland, together with the lakes, provides a favourable environment for wildlife, especially birds.