Countryside
Nature Reserves
Local Nature Reserves (LNRs) are sites which have natural features of special interest in the local area. Barnet's LNRs help to increase people's awareness of local wildlife and provide an ideal environment for children to learn about nature.
Barnet currently has seven LNRs:
- Barnet Gate Wood, Hendon Wood Lane, Arkley
- Big Wood and Little Wood, Hampstead Garden Suburb
- Coppetts Wood and Glebelands, Friern Barnet
- Woodridge, Michelham Down, Woodside Park
- Oak Hill Woods and Meadow, East Barnet
- Rowley Green Common, Barnet Lane, Arkley
- Scratchwood and Moat Mount, Mill Hill
Barnet Gate Wood, Hendon Wood Lane, Arkley
This wood is a remnant of ancient woodland peaceful haven to visit and interesting to compare with managed woods elsewhere.
The site can be accessed from Hendon Wood Lane, the Dollis Valley Green Walk or the London LOOP from Moat Mount.
Big Wood and Little Wood, Hampstead Garden Suburb
Big Wood and Little Wood are remnants of more extensive woods that used to cover the area thousands of years ago. The new gate at the Temple Fortune Hill entrance was donated by residents to commemorate the 29 suburb residents who died in the Second World War. It replaces an earlier gate and actually stands on an ancient 8th century boundary.
The Friends of Suburb Woods would love to hear from you if you would like to learn more about the site and get involved with actively looking after the woods - please telephone 020 8359 7824.
Coppetts Wood & Glebelands, Friern Barnet
This site has a mix of habitats; woodlands scrub, grasslands and ponds. Close to major roads and development it still manages to provide a tranquil retreat for wildlife and people. It used to be part of old Finchley Common and was once the haunt of highwaymen! There is a nature trail, which will take one hour to complete.
There is a small visitors car park off Colney Hatch Lane, just south of the reserve entrance. Coppetts Wood Conservationists organise regular tasks on the site and would love to hear from you if you want to get involved or just learn more about the site - please contact 020 8359 7824.
Woodridge, Michelham Down, Woodside Park
Woodridge is not ancient wood - it is probably only 40 years old. Oak trees grew up when a field was abandoned. This small site is great for seeing woodland birds and insects - listen for crickets in summer in the long grass.
The reserve can be reached from Southover and Michelham Down or the network of Rights of Way in the Totteridge Valley.
Oak Hill Woods and Meadow, East Barnet
Oak Hill Park has sweeping grassy areas, fine views, meadows, streams, a play area, a golf area, and its own ancient woodland right in the middle. There are two trails through the woods. The paths are quite steep and can get muddy in winter.
The woodlands are managed by the London Wildlife Trust (LWT). If you would like to know more about the site or get involved with managing it please call LWT on 020 7261 0447.
Rowley Green Common, Barnet Lane, Arkley
Rowley Green is a fascinating place, being Barnet's only bog! The site is a mix of woodlands (mostly oak and birch) with grassland and boggy ponds. It is currently managed by the Hertfordshire and Middlesex Wildlife Trust (HMWT) with the London Wildlife Trust.
If you would like to know more about the site or get involved with managing it please contact HMWT on 01727 858901.
Scratchwood and Moat Mount, Mill Hill
Scratchwood and Moat Mount form the largest area of woodland in Barnet. Scratchwood has areas of ancient woodland which is mostly oak and hornbeam. In the spring there are many woodland flowers like bluebells and wood anemones to see. Look out for Muntjac deer and woodland birds.
Moat Mount also has extensive areas of wood, much of which was once ornamental gardens so it is very different in character to Scratchwood. The woods are separated by the A1 so you can’t cross the road from one to the other. There is an underpass down the A1 towards Apex Corner.
For further information please telephone 020 8359 7826.
Related Service Area Information: Walks
