Join us for a stroll along the Thames towpath to learn about riverside trees, including the rare female Black Poplars in this area!

Meet us in Barnes for a special tree walk for London Rivers Week 2025. The theme this year is access to nature and good quality blue and green spaces – 'quality rivers for all'. What better way to celebrate than by taking a walk along this wonderful blue and green corridor.

Since 2019 Barnes Common have been involved in a project to increase the genetic diversity of Britian's rarest native tree - the Black Poplar. The stretch of the towpath east of Hammersmith Bridge is home to a nationally important community of Black Poplar trees, which we will visit and discuss along the walk. As we walk we'll discuss the project and other conservation practices to project native tree species and their habitats. We'll discuss various trees species along the way, and how this place has changed over time.

It is approximately 1.3km from Hammersmith Bridge (the Barnes end) to Queen Elizabeth Walk where the talk will end. Participants are welcome to turn around and walk back to Hammersmith Bridge, or follow Queen Elizabeth Walk for 700m to the Red Lion Pub where local bus stops can be found. This walk is suitable for people of all ages but will be aimed mostly at an adult audience. The path is unpaved and uneven but a mostly firm surface. We aim to walk as a group but we will be mindful of people who would prefer to set their own pace.

Sturdy footwear is recommended and as the event is entirely outdoors, we remind people to dress appropriately for the weather on the day. Bring a bottle of water or hot drink and a snack with you for the stroll. This event is free but limited in numbers, please register to attend.