Sign in

Barnes Common

@barnescommon.bsky.social
221 followers 171 following 458 posts

We are the charity Barnes Common Ltd, looking after your local nature reserves. Our vision is Conservation, Biodiversity, Wellbeing, Lifelong Learning - for all.

PostsRepliesMedia
Barnes Common @barnescommon.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Join us for our next growing workshop on Saturday 19th September when we will look at the basics of how to turn your waste into beautiful, crumbly soil that can be used in your garden. www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/workshop-c...
eventbrite.co.uk
Workshop: Composting: steps to success
In this workshop, we will look at the basics of how to turn your waste into beautiful, crumbly soil that can be used in your garden.
011
Barnes Common @barnescommon.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
The planning application reference number is PA26/1786. If you would like to submit your comments on our planning application, but not sure where to start, you can use all or some of the text on our website: barnescommon.org.uk/please-suppo... #vineroadproject #skatepark #playground
barnescommon.org.uk
Please support the Vine Road Project planning application!
The planning application for the Vine Road Project is now live on the council website and you are welcome to submit your comments in writing. We hope many local residents demonstrate their support of…
010
Barnes Common @barnescommon.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
This exciting community-driven project to rejuvenate this much-loved local open space incorporates a local eco-community hub and café, a redesigned, inclusive playground with water play, a woodland adventure play area, a skate park, food growing and wetland areas.
110
Barnes Common @barnescommon.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
Only a few days left to submit your comment on our planning application for the Vine Road Project. We hope many local residents demonstrate their support of the project.   
110
Reposted by Barnes Common
Biological Recording Company @biologicalrecording.co.uk · 12/08/2026
What can a pond tell you about the health of a city? More than you might think. Join Dr Rachel Walker on 15 Sept to explore urban pond conservation, indicator species, habitat management and practical monitoring techniques 🐸 🌍 🧪 www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1981358046... @barnescommon.bsky.social
064
Barnes Common @barnescommon.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
Thank you to everyone who took part, we’re looking forward to see what animals were captured by the cameras! The #NHMP is led by both @ptes-org.bsky.social and @hedgehogsociety.bsky.social
031
Barnes Common @barnescommon.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
At the end of July, our conservation volunteers alongside the young people in our Eco-Explorers summer camp helped @londonhogwatch.bsky.social deploy cameras as part of the National Hedgehog Monitoring Programme on Barnes Common.
123
Reposted by Barnes Common
London HogWatch @londonhogwatch.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
Last week, we visited @barnescommon.bsky.social to set up our NHMP cameras! A huge thank you to all our volunteers who came and explored the beautiful habitats and wildlife in the Common with us!🐝 The #NHMP is led by both @ptes-org.bsky.social and @hedgehogsociety.bsky.social
022
Barnes Common @barnescommon.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
We’ll have a look at how to grow some of the most common garden herbs – and some more unusual ones! We’ll discuss their culinary uses, medicinal qualities and folklore. You’ll also have a chance to sample some herbal teas brewed with plants growing at the project. barnescommon.org.uk/eventbrite-e...
barnescommon.org.uk
Workshop: The wonderful world of herbs
We’ll have a look at how to grow different garden herbs, and sample some herbal teas brewed with plants growing at the project. Herbs are fantastic plants to grow in your garden. You can grow them in…
000
Barnes Common @barnescommon.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
Join our next growers workshop on the 15th of August where we explore the wonderful world of herbs! Herbs are fantastic plants to grow in your garden. You can grow them in any space, and they have multiple culinary and medicinal uses.
barnescommon.org.uk
Workshop: The wonderful world of herbs
We’ll have a look at how to grow different garden herbs, and sample some herbal teas brewed with plants growing at the project. Herbs are fantastic plants to grow in your garden. You can grow them in…
120
Reposted by Barnes Common
Biological Recording Company @biologicalrecording.co.uk · 27/07/2026
Garden ponds are powerful conservation tools, providing vital habitat and connectivity for frogs, toads, dragonflies and more. Join Dr Rachael Walker's webinar on creating and managing urban ponds for biodiversity 🐸🌿 🌎 🧪 📅 15 Sept 🔗 www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1981358046... @barnescommon.bsky.social
085
Reposted by Barnes Common
The Rivers Trust @theriverstrust.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
How do we know if Rivers are Fit for the Future? Understanding the state of our rivers is the first step towards protecting & restoring them. Data helps build a clearer picture of the pressures facing our waterways & guides efforts to tackle them. 🧵👇
142
Reposted by Barnes Common
Biological Recording Company @biologicalrecording.co.uk · 14/07/2026
Urban ponds may be small, but they’re biodiversity powerhouses 🐸💧 Yet many are in poor ecological condition. Join Dr Rachel Walker on 15 Sept for a webinar on creating, surveying & managing urban ponds for wildlife 🌎 🧪 Book here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1981358046... @barnescommon.bsky.social
12111
Reposted by Barnes Common
Richmond and Twickenham Friends of the Earth @rtfoe.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
If you live in Barnes, Mortlake, E Sheen or Roehampton, here's a chance to help shape future #flood resilience. We'd happily do the survey for free, but @wwtworldwide.bsky.social @barnescommon.bsky.social & @richmondcouncil.bsky.social are offering £20 haveyoursay.citizenspace.com/richmondecs/...
023
Reposted by Barnes Common
Richmond and Twickenham Friends of the Earth @rtfoe.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
Hopefully this will be a better summer for #butterflies. We seem to have plenty of sightings locally. Here's a chance to learn more about them with our friends from @barnescommon.bsky.social www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/nature-wal...
eventbrite.co.uk
Nature Walk: Butterflies of Barnes Common
Discover butterflies and day-flying moths on Barnes Common on this morning walk, led by butterfly expert Karen Goldie-Morrison.
032
Barnes Common @barnescommon.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
Or that bee wolves can carry prey that is equal to their own body weight? We learned all this and more on a fascinating ramble around the Common. This walk was part of 'Shared Roots', the growing project's summer series of walks, talks and workshops. Book here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/cc/shared-ro...
eventbrite.co.uk
Shared Roots - Summer Walks, Talks and Workshops
Join us at the Community Growing Project this summer for 'Shared Roots', our annual series of walks, talks and workshops. Led by a fantastic line-up of speakers, the events will offer fascinating insi...
000
Barnes Common @barnescommon.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
Last night we were joined by ecologist Connor Butler who led a queer ecology walk across Barnes Common. Did you know that the Magna Carta was written in ink made from oak galls? That yew trees, although typically dioecious, can change sex?…
171
Reposted by Barnes Common
Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan @london.gov.uk · 09/07/2026
Once again our capital is sweltering hot. There’s an Amber heat-health alert in place until 9pm on Sunday. Look after yourself in the heat and check on any family members, friends and neighbours who may find it more difficult to stay cool and hydrated in hot weather.
gov.uk
Beat the heat: staying safe in hot weather
09124
Reposted by Barnes Common
Barnes Common @barnescommon.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
Due to the extreme heat expected today, we have rescheduled our Nature Walk: The Birds & The Bees - Queer Ecology of Barnes Common to the 8th of July. This means you’ve still got time to get your tickets! www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/nature-wal...
eventbrite.co.uk
Nature Walk - The Birds & The Bees: Queer Ecology of Barnes Common
Join ecologist Connor Butler on a guided nature walk on the Common to explore the diverse and unusual lifecycles found on your doorstep.
153
Barnes Common @barnescommon.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
After the success of our evening Swift Walk in June, we are holding another walk on 12th July to assess the local population. You can book your tickets to the Swift Walk here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1990767833...
eventbrite.co.uk
Swifts in Barnes Walk
Our very own birding expert, Adrian Podmore will lead this evening bird watching walk focusing on Swifts.
000
Barnes Common @barnescommon.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
Swifts land in the UK from Africa each year in distinct waves, depending on their age. The 2 and 3-year-old birds that arrive in late May, early June to prospect for nest sites for next year are the ones that we are looking to attract. Do join us if you’d like to have swift boxes on your house.
100
Barnes Common @barnescommon.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
We have set up a Barnes Swift Group and put up around 30 swift boxes on a dozen houses around Barnes this spring with funding from Richmond Council’s Civic Pride Fund and support from the Barnes Handyman Station. Some households have also bought calling systems which can help attract birds.
barnescommon.org.uk
Community Project Aims to Save the Barnes Swifts
Swifts are renowned as superb flyers and can travel up to 500 miles a day and indeed, spend most of their lives on the wing, feeding, sleeping, and mating. However, their numbers have declined by over...
100
Barnes Common @barnescommon.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
You’ll learn how to use a hand lens to identify common species of plants and invertebrates. This gentle tour around the Common invites all curious minds (aged 16+) interested in meeting others, learning identification skills, and seeing nature from a new perspective.
010
Barnes Common @barnescommon.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
‘Queer Ecology’ aims to challenge what we think of as being ‘natural’ and celebrates diversity in all life. Join ecologist Connor Butler on a guided nature walk on Barnes Common to explore the diverse and unusual lifecycles found in the 'unnatural' plants and animals right outside your doorstep.
130
Barnes Common @barnescommon.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
Due to the extreme heat expected today, we have rescheduled our Nature Walk: The Birds & The Bees - Queer Ecology of Barnes Common to the 8th of July. This means you’ve still got time to get your tickets! www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/nature-wal...
eventbrite.co.uk
Nature Walk - The Birds & The Bees: Queer Ecology of Barnes Common
Join ecologist Connor Butler on a guided nature walk on the Common to explore the diverse and unusual lifecycles found on your doorstep.
153
Barnes Common @barnescommon.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
Keystone Friends! We would love to have more Keystone Friends - sign up here: barnescommon.org.uk/friends/
barnescommon.org.uk
Why become a Barnes Common Friend?
Get free membership or opt to support us via the Keystone Membership, renewing annually.
011
Reposted by Barnes Common
WWF UK @wwf.org.uk · 23/06/2026
If you’ve got a garden or balcony, pop out a shallow dish of water with pebbles today. 🐝 This will help out many of the amazing species in your garden by giving them a safe place to drink. 💛 www.express.co.uk/life-style/g...
A bee gathers nectar on a bluebell with green blurry foliage in the background.
0104
Barnes Common @barnescommon.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
Thank you for sharing!
000
Reposted by Barnes Common
Richmond CVS @richmondcvs.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
#SmallCharityWeek @barnescommon.bsky.social - another fabulous local small charity makes invaluable contributions to individual wellbeing & our environment "Such an inclusive & welcoming group, I really enjoyed working with them. Simply being in nature is wonderful for my well-being!" (volunteer)
Two male volunteers standing & smiling with gardening tools on open land by a makeshift bridge over a ditch, with Barnes Common logo, Small Charity Week logo & text reading 'Small Charities Big Impact' alongside a loudhailer graphic
121
Barnes Common @barnescommon.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
If you would like to join the Barnes Hedgehog Highway, we’re connecting local gardens on the 1st of July - book here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/hedgehog-h...
eventbrite.co.uk
Hedgehog Highway Extension Day
Help your local hedgehogs and join the highway in Barnes! Connect your garden with a small access hole we can cut for the hedgehogs.
000
Barnes Common @barnescommon.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
Lovely to see the Barnes Hedgehog Highway on BBC London over the weekend! Please leave out fresh water for hedgehogs and other wildlife in a shallow container - it can be life saving in this heat. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
The Barnes highway helping the capital's urban hedgehogs
A hedgehog highway is a network of small holes and gaps that allows hedgehogs to move freely.
110
Reposted by Barnes Common
Biological Recording Company @biologicalrecording.co.uk · 22/06/2026
Did you know? The UK lost ¾ of its ponds in just one century 💧 Yet ponds support 2/3 of our freshwater species and urban ponds could be key to reversing the decline 🌎 🧪 Join Dr Rachel Walker to learn how to create & protect them 🔗 www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1981358046... @barnescommon.bsky.social
044
Barnes Common @barnescommon.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
At this workshop, we will be looking at how to identify the most common weeds and discuss how best to keep them at bay without using chemicals. We’ll also look at the benefits of allowing some weeds to grow in your garden. Book here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/workshop-w...
eventbrite.co.uk
Workshop: Weeds: friend or foe
In this workshop, we will look at how to identify the most common weeds and discuss how best to keep them at bay without using chemicals.
000
Barnes Common @barnescommon.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
Have you ever tasted nettle seeds? And how about dandelion and nipplewort greens? Come along to our growing workshop focused on weeds this Saturday, where we’ll be doing all that, and more. You might be surprised at how flavourful and nutritious weeds can be!
110
Reposted by Barnes Common
Richmond and Twickenham Friends of the Earth @rtfoe.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
This Saturday our friends at @barnescommon.bsky.social are hosting a free family friendly event focused on flood resilience www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/community-...
eventbrite.co.uk
Community BlueScapes Fair
Join us for the Community BlueScapes Fair, a free, family friendly event in Barnes focused on flood resilience and climate adaptation.
022
Barnes Common @barnescommon.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
Following the growing cycles and thus the availability of their foodplants — including nettles and thistles — for their caterpillars, each generation moves further north over the course of the journey. Most of them arrive in late May to early June, and their UK-born offspring hatch in August. 3/3
000
Barnes Common @barnescommon.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
...the Painted Lady butterfly (Vanessa cardui) overtakes a migratory journey of over 9000 miles from Africa to the Arctic Circle, one that spans several generations of butterflies. 2/3
100
Barnes Common @barnescommon.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
Thanks to Ben Gritten for this great photo of a Painted Lady butterfly that we saw near the Leg o’Mutton nature reserve on our recent Riverside Walk during London Rivers Week. A butterfly with a fascinating life history...1/3
100
Barnes Common @barnescommon.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
Please let us know if you come across any of these items: 1 x Huawei laptop in a blue neoprene zip bag 1 x Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE tablet in a protective case 1 x WiMiUS projector and remote in small black backpack  3 x charity collection tins labelled Barnes Common  Thank you for your support!
010
Barnes Common @barnescommon.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
Over the last week we have had two break-ins at our office in the Pavilion at Vine Road Recreation Ground. Luckily these events took place at night when no staff were on site, so no one was hurt, but there has been some damage, and several items have been stolen.
Glass paneled door with the lower glass panel broken
100
Barnes Common @barnescommon.bsky.social · 02/06/2026
Don't miss out on this opportunity to connect with nature and fellow biodiversity enthusiasts www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/biodiversi...
eventbrite.co.uk
Biodiversity Collage Workshop
Come join us for a fun and creative collage workshop focused on understanding and celebrating biodiversity.
000
Barnes Common @barnescommon.bsky.social · 02/06/2026
This in-person event will provide all the materials you need to learn about the importance of preserving diverse ecosystems. No prior knowledge is necessary, just bring your enthusiasm!
eventbrite.co.uk
Biodiversity Collage Workshop
Come join us for a fun and creative collage workshop focused on understanding and celebrating biodiversity.
100
Barnes Common @barnescommon.bsky.social · 02/06/2026
The Biodiversity Collage is an interactive workshop based on collective intelligence for those wanting to know more about our biodiversity, ecosystem services and how to protect it.
eventbrite.co.uk
Biodiversity Collage Workshop
Come join us for a fun and creative collage workshop focused on understanding and celebrating biodiversity.
120
Barnes Common @barnescommon.bsky.social · 02/06/2026
Come join us for a fun, free and creative collage workshop focused on understanding and celebrating biodiversity on Monday the 15th of June from 6pm.
100
Reposted by Barnes Common
Ruils Independent Living @ruils.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
Access Day with First Bus is back 🚌 Fri 12 June, 11am–3pm at Fulwell Bus Garage. Open to Disabled people, carers, mobility needs & transport fans. Bus tours, control room visits + share accessibility ideas. Drop-in, but register your access needs: ruils.co.uk/campaigning/campaign-ev…
011
Reposted by Barnes Common
Richmond CVS @richmondcvs.bsky.social · 01/06/2026
#VolunteersWeek is here - a time to celebrate all things volunteering! Join us in thanking ALL volunteers & look out for a few spotlights on some local heroes we feel lucky to have met just recently richmondcvs.org.uk/volunteers-w...
richmondcvs.org.uk
Volunteers Week - Thank You to all Volunteers! - Richmond CVS
Volunteers’ Week is the annual celebration at the start of June to highlight and recognise the contributions of volunteers in the UK who are vital to so many charities and community organisations.…
001
Barnes Common @barnescommon.bsky.social · 01/06/2026
Although sometimes they can completely skeletonize foliage by devouring the soft tissue between the veins of the leaves, mature trees will re-grow their leaves and don’t seem to be weakened by them.
000
Barnes Common @barnescommon.bsky.social · 01/06/2026
This small leaf beetle was thought to be extinct in the UK until it was recorded again in Manchester in 2004. Since then, Alder Leaf Beetles have been recorded all across England. Their larvae look like small black caterpillars and they feed on alder leaves.
100
Barnes Common @barnescommon.bsky.social · 01/06/2026
In some cases, it’s easy tell the sexes apart, since gravid females are massively bloated, with their conspicuous orange abdomen showing. Their abdomen no longer fits under their wing cases (elytra) as it’s swollen from the large amount of eggs they are carrying inside.
100
Barnes Common @barnescommon.bsky.social · 01/06/2026
This time of the year, you can spot mating pairs of Alder Leaf Beetles (Agelastica alni) on alder trees, for example around Barnes Pond. They are 6mm long, a beautiful, metallic blue in colour with a violet reflection.
100