Barnes remained a rather inaccessible village until the railway arrived in 1846. The village centre is marked by Barnes Green and Pond where there are a variety of mature trees. The leafy character of Barnes is enhanced by Barnes Common to the south, to which the Green is connected via a small bridge over Beverley Brook. The Green is traversed by paths, most of which are flanked by mature trees including horse chestnut, London plane, and there are a number of seats, particularly around the pond, which provides a good habitat for water birds.