b

WWT London Wetland Centre

London  >  United Kingdom

Situated in a tight bend in the River Thames, the reservoir of Barn Elms, now disused, is a Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust centre.

Added* by Marnix Roels
Most recent update 9 July 2020

Description

This area has attracted more than 220 bird species since the construction of the reservoirs at the end of the 19th century. Large numbers of waterfowl have long gathered at Barn Elms but in the 1980s these began to disappear and the site itself was no longer used as a reservoir.

To rescue the site the WWT began to develop part of the area for the benefit of waterfowl and other birds and since taking over the site in 1995 the variety and numbers of birds have increased again. Recent work has included landscaping of the banks and the creation of reedbeds and islands.

Around the wetland centre are a range of other habitats; to the west housing with mature gardens, southwards are Barn Elms Park and Barnes Common with open grassland, scrub and trees. The towpath and riverbank lie on the eastern shore of the reservoir.

Details

Access

WWT London Wetland Centre is situated close to central London, on the banks of the River Thames in Barnes. It is easily accessible by private and public transport and is close to both Barnes and Barnes Bridge stations. Buses from Barnes station and Hammersmith tube/bus station stop at the Red Lion Pub on Castlenau, just a 5 minute walk to the Centre.

Terrain and Habitat

Wetland , City/village

Conditions

Flat , Open landscape

Circular trail

No

Is a telescope useful?

Can be useful

Good birding season

All year round

Best time to visit

Spring , Winter

Route

Wide path

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Foot , Wheelchair

Birdwatching hide / platform

Yes

Links

View other birding spots in the area that are published on Birdingplaces

Map

Top 5 birds

Other birds you can see here

Show more birds Show less birds
Show more images Show less images

Comments & Tips

Click on the little bird icon () to insert bird names in your own language. The birdnames will automatically be translated for other users!