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Hogsmill Nature Reserve

You’ll soon forget your urban surroundings in the peace of Hogsmill Nature Reserve. This 8-acre sanctuary is a wildlife refuge in the heart of Kingston-upon-Thames.

  • Open to members only
  • Accessible for all, Hogsmill can accommodate all kinds of mobility aids and prams
  • The learning pond allows visitors to dip in and discover the pond life
  • Guided tours to help you spot and learn about wildlife
  • Two bird hides to help you spot any of the 160 bird species in secret

A banner showing the message live wild with thames on the left and a bird hide at the edge of water on the right.

Become a member

Joining Hogsmill Nature Reserve opens the door to a world of nature. Events available to members include butterfly and bat walks, moth nights and bird song walks.

Whether you’re looking for a quick walk to unwind, or a long spell watching the mesmerising variety of birds, Hogsmill has something for everyone.

Become a member

Check our membership terms and conditions.

What to see

160 species of bird have been recorded at Hogsmill, so you never know what you’ll see when you visit.

From the secrecy of two bird hides, you might catch majestic peregrine falcons, sparrow hawks, and kestrels gliding through the sky. Or perhaps you’ll see pochards, wigeons, teals, sandpipers, and snipes floating among the lagoon reeds.

The 4-acre lagoon offers a glimpse of the aquatic side of nature. Home to waterfowl, waders, songbirds, kingfishers, newts, butterflies, dragonflies, and damselflies.

The view from a bird hide, a bird with blue and yellow feathers, a scene of the lake, and a bird sitting in a bush.

A montage showing a bug hotel, blue flowers, an insect and binoculars in a bird hide.

Things to do

Get closer to nature 
A dream for bird watchers, more than 160 species of bird have been recorded in this unique habitat. And the 4-acre lagoon is the perfect place to watch aquatic wildlife at play.

Take a dip
Get hands-on with nature by trying some pond dipping in our learning pool. Perfect for curious minds. 

Get involved
Each Wednesday, from 9am-11am, Hogsmill Nature Reserve hosts a conservation session. You’ll get the chance to lend nature a helping hand, fuelled by tea and biscuits. 

Good to know

  • You must be a member to visit Hogsmill - apply for membership
  • Open every day from dawn till dusk
  • No dogs allowed, except guide dogs
  • Off-site parking is free

How to find us



By car: Lower Marsh Lane, Kingston upon Thames (closest postcode KT1 3BW).

By train: The nearest train station is Berrylands. The reserve is a 5-minute walk from there.

By bus: You have a choice: K1, K2 or K4. The reserve is approx 20-minute walk from each.