The marsh at the London Wetland Centre - anyone familiar with it?

Deb London · #1 (**permalink**) 18-01-2012, 04:59 PM

Hi folks,

I was thinking about treating myself to a year's membership at the London Wetland Centre. I'm in to birdwatching at the moment and so I scan the London lists occasionally. The centre gets some nice birds and as a single lady I'd feel safer birdwatching in an environment like this one.

Some of my favourite birds have been seen at the marsh, but I can't work out where the marsh is. Can anyone tell me?

Also, is it true you can see Charing Cross Hospital from the Wetland Centre?

Thanks,

Deb

loripo · #2 (**permalink**) 18-01-2012, 05:13 PM

There is a map on the WWT website - the grazing marsh is to the north of the site and is visible from the peacock tower. Well worth the sub I think, my first year's was a gift. I haven't actually been up the tower but been in the other hides and I should think the view is an all round London one. Nice cafe too complete with foraging moorhens

Deb London · #3 (**permalink**) 18-01-2012, 05:19 PM

Ah thanks lori. It must have been the word "grazing" that gave me word blindness. And thanks for the recommendation.

It seems quite near the tower (I've been there and I like that hide very much). But I suspect you would need a scope as I'm assuming you aren't allowed to wander off into the marshes on your own.

loripo · #4 (**permalink**) 18-01-2012, 05:24 PM

There is a large hide on the Wildside too, but I've not been to that one - it's at the West side of the marshes. Their website has a daily listing of sighting too - it really is worth a visit and if you decided it was worthwhile you can sign up there

(Don't have shares in it honest!)

Deb London · #5 (**permalink**) 18-01-2012, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by loripo

There is a large hide on the Wildside too, but I've not been to that one - it's at the West side of the marshes. Their website has a daily listing of sighting too - it really is worth a visit and if you decided it was worthwhile you can sign up there

(Don't have shares in it honest!)

I was beginning to wonder.

How come you haven't been to the hides. Is the coffee shop that good?

loripo · #6 (**permalink**) 18-01-2012, 05:42 PM

To get to the Wildside you have to go through the World birds bit and I always get waylaid

PLus there are butterflies and dragons and a very enticing shop

Za · #7 (**permalink**) 18-01-2012, 05:55 PM

Is this the place at Barnes? I pass through Barnes about half a dozen times a day when I`m working and keep meaning to check google earth to see where the wetland place is, haven`t managed to go there yet.
Za

Chris Hawes · #8 (**permalink**) 18-01-2012, 06:01 PM

It's well worth a visit, and membership too, if you're planing on going several times throughout the year. Membership would also get you into other WWT centres such as Slimbridge, Welney, or Arundle (plus others further afield).

Wild-Woman · #9 (**permalink**) 18-01-2012, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Hawes

Membership would also get you into other WWT centres such as Slimbridge, Welney, or Arundle (plus others further afield).

Indeed, and I personally think that membership is worth it. We've enjoyed 4 WWT reserves and enjoyed them all.
Infact we're off to Arundel again on the weekend and will be there till we get kicked out I suspect.

loripo · #10 (**permalink**) 18-01-2012, 06:50 PM

It's only a short bus ride from Barnes station. I did a video intro for schools...
schoolstube.com: Free online video storage and sharing service for schools
but I know realise that due to 'lack of funding' schools can no longer enjoy free visits.
I think it was fortunate that WWT was able to purchase that site when it did as were it to be now the whole things would be a very private marina and might only house a few intrepid gulls.