Over the past 10 years Thames Water has created an internationally important 20-hectare (50 acre) wetland nature reserve in west London. Working with the London Borough of Hounslow and English Nature we have transformed a decommissioned reservoir into a purpose-designed wetland nature reserve.
Kempton Nature Reserve has deep-water areas with reed fringes, extensive areas of mud attractive to wading birds, a network of channels and islands for safe nesting refuges. The diversity of these habitats attracts a wide range of waterfowl, waders, gulls and warblers – some very rare in the UK. The first pair of avocets to breed inland in the UK for 150 years nested here in 1996.
The site is an internationally designated Special Protection Area for ducks and was notified as a Site of Special Scientific Interest in 2000. The reserve is also recognised as one of Europe's premier locations for wetland birds, and has had 159 different species recorded on the site. Conservation work at the site was rewarded in the national 2002 BTO-Hansen Bird Challenge for Business Awards, when the reserve won the Wetland Sites Conservation Award.
We have established a Friends of Kempton Nature Reserve scheme currently allowing over 250 members to enjoy the special wildlife here. A path network links the car park to two bird hides and other view points, some of it accessible to wheelchair users. We are also developing a programme of educational visits to help young people understand more about the wildlife on site.
This wonderful nature reserve, screened by its original reservoir banks, allows visitors an escape from the bustle of urban life into a serene and special landscape on their doorstep.
Highlights: Avocets, Bittern, Greenshank, Firecrest, Little ringed plover, Black-tailed godwit, willow tit and Red-backed shrike (and many more)