Rate birdingplace WWT London Wetland Centre
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.
) to insert bird names in your own language. The birdnames will automatically be translated for other users!
It's probably worth mentioning that there are plenty of captive waterfowl which allows close viewing of exotic species that are very unlikely to occur wild in the UK. Some parts of the reserve have a somewhat 'zoo'-like quality. But if you want to take photos from close range of these birds, you can do so.