The WWT London Wetland Centre in Barnes is a real haven in the middle of London. Run by the charity the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, it has 100 acres of natural riverside marshland habitat and is home to over 180 species of birds. It's a great place for families to visit and there are brilliant children's facilities and activities, but it is also a must-visit place for keen ornithologists who have been known to catch sight of the rarest of bird species from the covered hides at the Centre.

The stretch of riverbank between Barnes and Hammersmith is a peaceful nature reserve and a walk along the tow path is one of those hidden London secrets. Early on a summer's morning you can take a solitary stroll  - sharing your peaceful journey with single scullers rowing silently by - while listening to bird song and watching the sun glint on the river. The views across the river towards Chiswick are glorious - look out for the historic houses on Chiswick Mall, the tiny island of Chiswick Eyot and the church where Hogarth is buried - and the scenery on the Barnes side is almost totally rural. Roughly half way between Hammersmith and Barnes bridges you can take a detour off the tow path to find the Leg o'Mutton reserve - a former reservoir which has been allowed to revert to nature and is the home to numerous bird species.

The long Surrey bend along the river Thames at Barnes is the site of the closing stages of the annual University Boat Race. The race is a great spectacle and the sight of the rival boats emerging from the Hammersmith bend towards Barnes preceeded by the clatter of helicopter blades and followed by a huge flotilla of small boats never fails to stir the heart.

Barnes Fair - which will be held on July 14th in 2012 - is London's best village fete. You'll find tradional cake stalls and tombolas, designer clothes stalls, antiques and brick-a-brack,  a huge second hand book tent, great plants from specialist nurseries, wonderful music and fantastic food provided by Barnes' brilliant restaurants, and on top of all this the area of the common closest to Beverley Brook is set aside for Children's Attractions -  old fashioned carousels, chair-o-planes, and face painting are just some of the activities for children.

The Fair is a totally brilliant day out for visitors of every age.

The 2012 Fair will have a strongly Olympic theme. If you would like to apply for a stall at the fair, or to help out as a volunteer, please see the new Barnes Fair web site at www.barnesfair.com for full details.

For information on booking a stall, click here.