Walk around the Tarn, Mottingham

The Tarn, in Mottingham, is a small lake and nature reserve which once stood within the grounds of Eltham Lodge, a seventeenth century building which was itself once part of the grand estate of Eltham Palace. Whilst the Palace still stands, much of the grounds of which were subsequently adopted by the Royal Blackheath Golf Course, and the Tarn is one tiny remnant which is reminiscent of its former glory.


Home to a range of wildfowl, the lake is a great place to spot Canada Geese, Tufty Ducks, Coots, Moorhens and Mandarin Ducks. It is also said to be home to Pipistrelle Bats and your author even spotted some Parakeets in the trees during a visit last weekend.

Today, the Tarn is watched over by Greenwich Council Parks Department, and a passionate group of friends. For more information, see http://www.londongardensonline.org.uk/gardens-online-record.asp?ID=GRN064