Bird Watching and wildlife
This group aims to take full advantage of the local Wetlands and Wildlife Trust (WWT) site at Barnes. In this converted rewilded site from earlier reservoirs there is a range of wetland features and water habitats which are home to much bird life, and other animals as well as flora and fungi. If you have any knowledge of these subjects we would love it if you could join the group and share your expertise!
The group meets at the site once a month on the third Tuesday. We spend time in the various hides and round the enclosures to watch and learn more about different bird species and their behaviour through the seasons from feeding, to nesting and migration. We learn about plants and other animals including invertebrates such as butterflies and dragonflies. We are able to discuss what we have seen over a drink and/or snack at the cafe at the end of each visit which is about 2 hours long, though this is flexible and depends on weather and what’s around. Where possible we will join guides as they give short talks on various aspects of the Wetlands.
We advise joining WWT rather than paying entrance fee each visit. Joining fees can be obtained on their website and be paid at the reception.
Getting there:
Buses - / more detailed information on the Wetlands website
Train - Barnes Station is about 10 minutes walk or a short bus ride away.
Car - there is a large free car park.
Dates for your Diary | |
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Tue Nov 19th | Meeting at Wetlands, Barnes at 11am in the inside courtyard. Anyone is welcome to join the group. Advisable to bring binoculars, though not essential. This should be a good month to catch sight of the bitterns who over winter here. But there will be plenty of other water birds around and the wooded edges of the Wetlands will have groups of the smaller birds, perhaps some siskins with the tit flocks. |
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