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Kempton Nature Reserve

Unwind away from the crowds at Kempton Nature Reserve. This 50-acre wetland and wildlife oasis, just a stone’s throw from the skyscrapers of London, is the perfect place to find your wild.

  • Open to members only
  • From a decommissioned reservoir, a purpose-designed wetland nature reserve has sprung into life
  • Reed bed walkways take you through the heart of stunning scenery
  • Over 160 species of bird have been sighted here over the years
  • It’s a great place to get involved and make a positive difference
  • Kempton is part of a wetland of international importanceA banner showing the live wild with thames on the left and a view of the lake on the right.

Become a member to enjoy Kempton

For members, Kempton Nature Reserve is a personal slice of paradise. Joining gives you access to bird hides, reed bed walkways and woodland paths to watch nature undisturbed.

Enjoy the beauty of the reserve at your leisure or get involved with conservation activities and special member events. You’ll be able to join us for a guided bat walk or take part in species awareness days and wildlife themed events.

You can bring a number of guests with you, then add all your wildlife sightings to the reserve's annual records.

Become a member

View our membership terms and conditions.

What to see

From the three bird hides, you might see ground-nesting birds such as the lapwing, the turquoise flash of a kingfisher or the graceful strut of great white egrets. At least 160 bird species have already been counted here.

Every season also brings new colour. From wildflowers decorating the meadowland in spring to orange, yellow and red leaves and fungi bringing autumn into fiery life in the surrounding woodlands.

Whether you want to find a new spot for birding, take a rejuvenating stroll or just relax surrounded by nature, Kempton Nature Reserve offers plenty for everyone.

A montage showing a view from a bird hide, a bird, purple flowers, and a view of the site.

A montage showing a group of birds on a lak, a view of the lake, a water vole, and a duck on the water.

Things to do

Get closer to nature
Summer brings you the chorus of reed warblers. Autumn offers the calls of circling buzzards. Winter introduces gadwall and teal ducks. And in spring the acrobatic migrating swifts return.

Make a difference
Become a member and you’ll have the chance to get involved in conservation activities such as guided bat walks and species awareness days.

Capture that perfect shot
Since opening, Kempton has hosted over 160 bird species – shoveler, snipe and little grebe to name just a few. So, grab your camera and capture some lasting memories.

Good to know

  • You must be a member to visit Kempton - new membership is temporarily closed
  • Opening times: dawn to dusk
  • Guide and assistance dogs only
  • Kempton is a wetland site. Paths are often wet and muddy, so bring your wellies!
  • Kempton Park Nature Reserve is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Southwest London Waterbodies Special Protection Area (SPA) and RAMSAR (wetland of international importance)

How to find us

Public access is located at the end of a short drive to either the pedestrian or vehicle gates to a small carpark (next to Lindon Bennett School) - on the corner of Main Street, Nallhead Road, Hanworth TW13 6ST.