Artist's impression of Mesolithic life Innova Park lies on the west of the river Lea, beside what may have been one of its former channels. The present industrial and urban character of the lower Lea Valley marks only the latest stage in a constantly evolving landscape. Occasional finds, such as flint tools and a mammoth tusk from nearby Enfield Lock, indicate at least an occasional human presence during the warmer parts of the last Ice Age.

Since then the major feature in the landscape has been the River Lea and its associated wetland, pasture, marsh, and tributary streams. For much of that period, people have exploited the valley for raw materials, food and grazing land.