in Barnes is opening its doors tomorrow (Friday) after five years' work.
The new Wetland Centre, on the site of four disused reservoirs, spans over 105 acres and boasts a "mosaic of lagoons, lakes, ponds and pools" in order to let Londoners get closer to wetland wildlife.
The centre, developed by the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT), has already attracted hundreds of wild bird species, including Lapwing and Little Ringed Plover.
It has been built as an all-weather facility and features the Peter Scott Visitor Centre.
This houses a glass observatory, discovery centre, art gallery and restaurant, with CCTV-relayed images from the wilderness areas.
World Wetlands allows visitors to walk through 14 different created wetland habitats - from an Australian billabong to Siberian tundra - and see wildfowl from each area.
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