Wetland, Barnes

I followed the river to the wetland,

I left the city 

To find where we come from

An otter swam in a coat of water

A thousand birds rose in a cloud of silence

I followed the river to the wetland,

I left the city

To find where we return to

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.