Nature in the City: London Wetland Centre

If you want to live in a bustling metropolis 

without losing touch with nature, 

then London is your city.

With 40% of its surface being green spaces, 

London is the third greenest city of its size in the world 

{we are lucky}. 

From manicured royal parks to vast open spaces,  

Londoners have many alternatives on a sunny day... 

...one of them being a 40 hectare wetland, 

right in the heart of the city. 

Bird's eye view

Built from disused water reservoirs in 2000, 

London Wetland Centre is a haven 

both for wildlife species & Londoners. 

Paths zigzag between the lakes and lagoons, 

bird watching hides offer amazing views, 

and birds' chirping is the soundtrack of choice. 

World of Nature

London Wetland Centre is home 

to all manner of wildlife and aquatic plants.

On our visit, we spotted endangered species, 

like the Siberian red-breasted goose 

{pictured above with her egg nest}, 

 graceful black swans, playful otters, 

dragonflies and beautiful water lilies. 

Family Facilities 

Kids are spoilt for choice at the Wetland Centre. 

There is an amazing nature themed playground, 

with water play & burrows 

{highly recommended by the Toddler}. 

An indoor discovery centre with funfair inspired games, 

a pond zone to dip nets in...

...and, of course, do not miss the otters' feeding time 

everyday at 11:00 & 14:00. 

In a nutshell: eco-fun family outing on a sunny day.

London Wetland Centre, Barnes.

Getting there: take bus 238 from Hammersmith, free parking if you go by car.

Admission £11, children under 4 go free.