View of Barfield Allotments Nature Park from playground

Barfield Allotments Nature Park is a small Site of Local Importance for Nature Conservation in Whetstone in the London Borough of Barnet.[1][2] It was formerly used as allotments, and when these were abandoned there were plans to turn it into a formal play area, but this met with local opposition when slow worms and common lizards were found, showing its value for wildlife. A small playground was installed in the north-east corner, while the remainder became a wildlife site.[3]

Some plum and apple trees remain from the time when it was allotments, but it has now changed from grassland to scrub. The site has been partially cleared to create a species-rich mosaic, and a native hedgerow has been planted along the boundary. A pond and marshy area have also been created for amphibians, taking advantage of a natural spring.[4]

The entrance to the site is in the playground off Barfield Avenue, but there is no public access, apart from school parties by arrangement.[1]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 "Barfield Allotments Nature Park". Greenspace Information for Greater London. 2006. Archived from the original on 2012-12-23.
  2. ↑ "iGiGL – helping you find London's parks and wildlife sites". Greenspace Information for Greater London. 2006. Archived from the original on November 29, 2012.
  3. ↑ Hewlett, Jan; et al. (1997). Nature Conservation in Barnet. London Ecology Unit. p. 95. ISBN 1-871045-27-4.
  4. ↑ Barfield Nature Reserve noticeboard

51°37′37″N 0°09′29″W / 51.627°N 0.158°W / 51.627; -0.158

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