VISITING WWT LONDON WETLAND CENTRE

Mar 3, 2023

While holidaying in my hometown of St. Albans in Hertfordshire last summer, I took a couple of day trips to London. As a wildlife lover, one place I’d been dying to visit for ages was the WWT Wetland Centre in southwest London. The area covers more than 40 hectares of land which was formerly occupied by several small reservoirs. These Victorian-era reservoirs were converted into a wide range of wetland features and habitats prior to the centre’s opening in 2000. As well as an array of beautiful wildflowers and birds, there are extremely cute otters.

REASONS TO VISIT

Managed by Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, London Wetland Centre was the first urban project of its kind in the United Kingdom. WWT are helping to restore and protect the UK’s nature-depleted landscape by creating healthy wetlands. In 2002 an area of 29.9 hectares within the centre was designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest. 180 Different bird species are recorded at the centre annually. In addition, there are 7 bat species, frogs, lizards, water voles, butterflies and dragonflies to be seen.

WWT London is a tranquil oasis and the perfect escape from a busy city. If you’re an avid birdwatcher, an outing to the Wetland Centre is definitely a must. Check out their ‘Wetlands of the World’ area to see a variety of colourful non-native ducks and geese. Spend some time ~~creeping on~~ observing waders from one of the six hides where binoculars are provided. Many of the wild birds that have made this place their home aren’t found anywhere else in London.

Egyptian geese, WWT London Wetland Centre — Egyptian geese

Nene + tufted duck, WWT London Wetland Centre — L: Nenes (world’s rarest geese) R: Female tufted duck

Common eider, WWT London Wetland Centre — Female common eider

I love my feathered friends, but the centre’s two Asian short-clawed otters were another major attraction for me. They were also the furry carrot I dangled in front of my sister Millie to get her to come along with me 😁 We made sure to hang around for the afternoon otter talk. One of the wardens gave Tod and Honey their daily feed and then spoke for 15 mins about their typical behaviours. Otter talks take place twice daily, at 11 am and 2 pm.

GETTING THERE

The Centre is located in Barnes, Borough of Richmond upon Thames. My sister Millie, her husband Jamie and I went on a Sunday. We got the train from St. Albans City station to West Hampstead Thameslink, then headed for Putney Bridge before catching a bus to Barnes. In total, the journey took us about 90 mins and was pretty straightforward. If you’re travelling from central London it’s even easier.

The Red Lion in Barnes, Richmond Upon Thames

You can also alight at Barnes Bridge station which is a 15-minute walk to the centre through Barnes village, but I’d recommend taking the 33, 209, 378 or 419 bus stopping at Red Lion. The Red Lion pub is only a 5-minute walk from WWT London. If you’re going on a Sunday, please do yourself a favour and have lunch there – hands down the tastiest roast I’ve ever eaten!

If you’re planning to drive, the centre is located just off the main A306. Once in Barnes, you can follow the brown tourist signs to the centre. WWT London is situated inside the London Congestion Charging Zone, but there’s free onsite parking for visitors. Alternatively, you can walk from the River Thames towpath on the south bank between Hammersmith Bridge and Putney Bridge which will take about 30 mins.

As well as everything I’ve already mentioned above, there are plenty of other talks and activities to enjoy. Kids can tire themselves out in the adventure playground. You can BYO picnic or eat and drink at The Kingfisher Kitchen onsite, then browse the gift shop. London Wetland Centre is fully accessible and a great day out for all the family. I’d happily revisit!