Arctic Tern, Barnes

Arctic terns undertake the world’s longest migration,

from Arctic to Antarctic, a distance of 25,000 miles

I follow you               as you

follow the summer sunlight

10,000 miles              lightweight     

hanging           on ocean

breeze                                 almost forgetful

of wings         sleeping          eating

as you glide               as you veer here

and there       15,000 miles   on

off course  as you                 pause

at this wetland           sand spit

brief respite      as you follow          summer

sunlight          25,000 miles

as I sit with my light screen

in my sad        winter room

as I mimic sunlight      breathless

at your sea swallow    sun swallow

flight              your long tail streamers

as I follow

By Robert Seatter

If you enjoyed this poem, take a look at the other Thames Path 30th Anniversary poems.

BARNES

In a western corner of London is the sanctuary of the London Wetland Centre, 105 acres of lakes and water meadows which are home to over 180 species of birds as well as other water wildlife.

Sitting within the London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames, Barnes sits along The Thames Path on the south side of the River Thames, between Putney and Mortlake which is on the Championship Course in rowing. Barnes offers a selection of pubs and fine restaurants, small boutiques, parks and gardens to wildlife and walks. The area around Barnes Pond is host to several open-air and covered markets each month.

In 1973 David Sharp, a volunteer with the Ramblers, went to a meeting with the River Thames Society to discuss the creation of the Thames Walk. At this pivotal meeting he drew a sketch map of a possible route and passed it round the table. The Thames Path National Trail was officially opened on 24 July 1996, with a new guide book written by David Sharp.  David’s vision from the first meeting with the River Thames Society in 1973 was finally realised. He told journalists: “I’m proud and a little amazed. 20 years ago it just didn’t seem possible that we’d get to this point with all the problems solved.” Writing in the Ramblers’ magazine David said: “I got hooked and the Thames Walk became part of my life. I wanted it to happen. I wanted to see something put in place that other people could enjoy.“ 

David Sharp died in April 2015 aged 89. There is a memorial bench to David and his wife Margaret beside the Thames Path in Barnes.