Nature Walk on Barnes Common

About Nature Walk on Barnes Common

Join our Chair, Mike Hildesley, on an evening walk around the main areas of the Common. In summer, the flower meadows of this small nature reserve are teeming with butterflies and bees, and the woodlands are full of birdsong - the most common are Robins and Wrens, but if you're lucky, you may spot a black and white Great Spotted Woodpecker, or the more reclusive, brightly coloured Green Woodpecker. If it's a warm evening, Stag Beetles may take to wing, and before sunset, Swifts will be screaming and hunting for insect prey in the sky. During the walk, we’ll look at our various habitats: meadows, woodlands, acid grassland, the orchard that is a former railway goods yard, and talk about our conservation work. You can also find out more about our concerns with local water quality, the impact of climate change and improving the wellbeing of our community. This walk will start and finish at The Pavilion at Vine Road Park where you can fill your water bottle from the drinking fountain. It will last around two hours, but you can drop off at any time. Please dress appropriately for the weather and wear sturdy footwear. If the weather is warm, you may wish to bring a bottle of water.