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Join us for an evening history walk led by our Chair, Mike Hildesley, and find out how Barnes Common became the small local nature reserve it is today.

For over a thousand years, 'The Waste' has been common land traditionally used for rough grazing and by drovers as they made their way to market.

In 925, the manor of Barnes, or Barn-elms, was given to the canons of St Paul's Cathedral by King Athelstan. The boundary, fixed in the late 1500's as a result of violent clashes with Putney residents over grazing rights, still exists today.

This land holds many secrets: maps show the area almost devoid of trees as recently as during WWII, with considerably more wetland than today, whilst throughout the 19th century, Vine Road Recreation Ground and much of the surrounding area was laid to market garden and orchard.

This walk takes place outdoors and as such please dress appropriately for the weather and wear sturdy footwear. If the weather is warm, you may wish to bring a bottle of water.