5.8
Wildland
Under 1 hour
Time
Check
Cost
Peaceful
Feel
Why it's Wildland
5.8Built as the Leg o’ Mutton Reservoir in 1838, this long, narrow waterbody supplied water until it was decommissioned in 1960. It is now a small nature reserve, measuring about 800 by 100 metres.
A former Victorian reservoir with a distinctive elongated shape and a second life as a wildlife refuge within Barnes. Its documented history and self-led winter walk give a short visit more substance than a simple waterside stroll.
Peaceful · Atmospheric
Find your way
Open mapBarnes, London
Opening map…
Know this place a little better?
The experience
Take the published self-led walk around this small former reservoir. Notice its unusually long, narrow footprint, the water and the wildlife habitat described by Barnes Common. Check current access and path conditions before setting out.
Things to do
Follow the self-led winter walk
Barnes Common publishes a self-led walk for Leg o’ Mutton, with a downloadable map and directions. Check these resources and current access information before setting out.
Observe the birds and other wildlife
The reserve is described as providing shelter and a haven for birds and other wildlife. Watch from the paths without disturbing wildlife.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · Under 1 hour
Quick reservoir loop
- 01
Check current access and download the Barnes Common walk map before you go.
- 02
Follow the published self-led walk and take time to observe the water and wildlife from the path.
- 03
Use the accompanying identification sheet to help notice wildlife.
Verified history
The Leg o’ Mutton Reservoir was built in 1838 and supplied water until its decommissioning in 1960. Barnes Common describes the present site as a linear nature reserve measuring about 800 by 100 metres (8.2 hectares).
Hidden details
A reservoir in a strikingly narrow footprint — Barnes Common gives the site’s dimensions as about 800 by 100 metres, a useful clue to its distinctive long, linear shape.
When to go
April · May · June · September · October · November · Check before visiting
The supplied source row identifies April to June as a period of strong bird activity and autumn as a time for changing leaf colour. Barnes Common also publishes a winter walk, so the site has documented seasonal interest beyond spring and summer.
Check before visiting; the published winter walk notes cold and windy conditions.
What to look for
Look for the reservoir’s long, narrow form and observe birds and other wildlife from the paths. Barnes Common provides a downloadable identification sheet for the winter walk.
The story
Industry
Best time to go
Spring to early summer for fresh growth and bird activity; autumn and winter are also noted as rewarding seasons. Exact wildlife and seasonal highlights should be checked locally.
The supplied source row recommends spring and early summer for bird activity, and autumn for changing colour; Barnes Common also publishes a winter walk. Check current conditions and wildlife activity before visiting.
How long to spend
Under 1 hour
Perfect for
Walkers · Wildlife lovers · Photographers · Solo
Practical information
Opening & access
A nature reserve with a published self-led walk and downloadable map. Check current access arrangements before visiting.
Check before visiting
Parking
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Toilets
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Food & drink
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Dogs
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Accessibility
Check before visiting; the supplied source row describes flat paths, but this is not confirmed by the cited sources.
Check before visiting
Cost
Check before visiting
Check before visiting
Water
Reservoir
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Leg of Mutton Pond
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
