Fishponds Park

A 13.5-acre municipal park with two ponds, woodland areas, and a community orchard. Managed by Kingston Council with support from the Friends of Fishponds group.

Tucked away behind Surbiton’s residential streets, Fishponds Park is a serene pocket of natural calm, centred around two historic ponds and fringed by woodland. Once part of a Victorian estate, it now serves as a beloved green space for local walkers, birdwatchers, and photographers. FeatherFrame features Fishponds Park as a shining example of urban rewilding—where a short walk from the high street can lead to rich birdlife, reflection, and quiet photographic opportunities.

Herons, Moorhens, and Tree Canopy Movement

Both ponds attract grey herons, moorhens, and mallards throughout the year. In spring, expect blackcaps, robins, and wrens in the woodland margins. On calm mornings, reflections of overhanging willows and ducks gliding across the surface make for painterly compositions. FeatherFrame photographers favour Fishponds Park for early light, mist over the water, and songbirds in motion. Though compact, it offers an excellent exercise in patience and storytelling within an intimate space.

Best Times to Visit:

  • Spring: Nesting birds, fresh leaves, and dawn song

  • Summer: Water reflections, insect life, and gentle light filtering through trees

  • Autumn: Copper tones, early fog, and tree canopy drama

  • Winter: Stark silhouettes, frozen edges, and early heron hunting

Plan Your Visit

  • Located off Ewell Road, Surbiton (KT6 7RY); pedestrian access only, no on-site parking

  • Circular walking path around the ponds with woodland trails on the western edge

  • Best gear: 200–400mm lens for birds, fast prime or zoom for tree shots, polariser for reflections

  • FeatherFrame tip: Arrive early—the light through the trees and stillness of the water make for powerful minimal compositions

Did you know?

Fishponds Park is maintained by community volunteers and wildlife groups, who’ve helped transform it from a neglected space into a biodiverse local haven. It’s now home to amphibians, bats, and over 30 bird species. FeatherFrame includes Fishponds Park to highlight the role of micro-reserves in building urban wildlife networks across Greater London.