London parks and wild places

thebeard · #1 (**permalink**) 10-01-2010, 07:58 PM

this is a similar thread to my potteric carr one, my friends moved to london recently so i'm going to stay with him for a few days later in the year. i'm planning in having a wildlife weekend in the capital, visiting a few parks, etc. has anybody got any recommendations of which the best ones are + details etc. i'm thinking of going to the WWT wetlands centre too, worth it???

cheers again folks

loripo · #2 (**permalink**) 10-01-2010, 08:38 PM

Which part of London? And will you have to use public transport?
You must go to Barnes, also Regents Park and Richmond Park. If you only have a weekend not sure how many places you can fit in and still be sociable

Ukwildlifeo · #3 (**permalink**) 10-01-2010, 08:40 PM

Some good sites

1 WWT Barnes as you mention - good for wildfowl (collection and wild) and other birds associated with water, and depending on the time of year dragonflies, marsh frogs and common lizards

2 Regents Park - good wildfowl collection, a heronry, water rail platform, tame grey squirrels

3 Richmond Park (30min walk from station) - deer (fallow and red), parakeets, mandarin ducks and small but good wildfowl collection

4 St. James Park - pelicans + wildfowl

5 Hyde + kensington gardens - wildfowl + tawny owls at right time of year (and Im told hand tame great tits and starlings)

Should get you started. Im sure aeshna5 (who knows London better than me) will be along to add/correct to this

loripo · #4 (**permalink**) 10-01-2010, 08:48 PM

Oh yes - the pelicans...

great fun to see and you get a view of Buck House, the horseguards parade, the London eye etc all thrown in!
You'll need more than a weekend I think.

thebeard · #5 (**permalink**) 10-01-2010, 09:18 PM

perhaps a long weekend then

WWT Barnes and Regent's park seem good, i'll have to plan it all properly though! keep em coming!!!

loripo · #6 (**permalink**) 11-01-2010, 04:07 PM

I've PM'd some bits about those two. If you don't mind dressing in drag you could borrow my pass to Barnes

Tringa · #7 (**permalink**) 11-01-2010, 06:55 PM

Depends where you are going to be in London, but Rainham Marshes in Eseex are excellent. The nearest station is Purfleet which is about 30 mins journey from Fenchurch Street station, which is about the same amount of time as it would take you to get to Barnes.

Dave

thebeard · #8 (**permalink**) 11-01-2010, 10:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by loripo

I've PM'd some bits about those two. If you don't mind dressing in drag you could borrow my pass to Barnes

its a deal!!! i'll even post pics!!!

thebeard · #9 (**permalink**) 11-01-2010, 10:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tringa

Depends where you are going to be in London, but Rainham Marshes in Eseex are excellent. The nearest station is Purfleet which is about 30 mins journey from Fenchurch Street station, which is about the same amount of time as it would take you to get to Barnes.

Dave

i'll have a look see wots cracking and see if its a contender! cheers!