London Wetlands Centre, Barnes

London Wetlands Centre, Barnes

                                          

Step away from Hammersmith Bridge to a remarkably peaceful part of the city: the London Wetland Centre. From the riverside, Alder trees line a glossy green route to the main entrance. Enjoying the marshland, lakes, meadows and gardens are flocks of birds and the odd reptile or two. Frogs and dragonflies emerge in the spring, as do families of keen wildlife enthusiasts, so time your arrival carefully to avoid the crowds. On one of our visits, the main building was closed but the entrance lake housed a few ducks paddling lazily, surrounded by a vast expanse of wildflowers. It was perfectly unpeopled.