It really has been a crazy 2020 so far, right? For those living in London, we already know space is at a minimum. With the enforcement of COVID-19 rules for social distancing, finding free space in which to just be has become even harder.
All hope is not lost, though! The team at Spaceways have compiled a list of some of the most beautiful nature reserves and other places of natural beauty that you can visit to get away, recharge and come back to “normal” life again.
Something everyone should do from time to time!
So, without further ado, here is the list of the best nature reserves within North London.
1. Darland’s Lake Nature Reserve
As stated on the Darland’s Conservation Trust website:
“The Darlands Nature Reserve sits in the Totteridge Valley between the villages of Totteridge and Mill Hill in the London Borough of Barnet. The 32 hectares (80 acres) of woodlands, wetlands, grasslands and the Darlands Lake are home to a diverse community of wildlife and boast some wonderful rural walks with spectacular views across the valley.”
Darland’s Lake Nature Reserve Location
For more information, visit: https://www.wildlondon.org.uk/nature-reserves/totteridge-fields
2. Totteridge Fields
As stated on the London Wildlife Trust website:
“Part of one of London’s last remaining tracts of traditional countryside, Totteridge Fields and its environs are a beautiful place for a spring or summer walk. Ancient hay meadows are criss-crossed by old hawthorn and blackthorn hedgerows, marked by veteran oak boundary trees. Bright with blossom in spring, these provide excellent nesting and feeding sites for birds. The fields are dotted with colour in summer, when grasses and flowers bloom. Butterflies are abundant, and sedges can be found in the ditches that provide valuable shelter for amphibians.”
Location | London NW7 4HR
More Information
For more information, visit: https://www.wildlondon.org.uk/nature-reserves/totteridge-fields
3. Barnsbury Wood Nature Reserve
As stated on the Islington Council website:
“London’s smallest local nature reserve. A delightful hidden woodland with wildlife garden. Barnsbury Wood was originally a garden belonging to George Thornhill who built the surrounding houses in the 1840s. The area was eventually abandoned to nature and then became woodland. Home to a range of wildlife including long-tailed tit, lesser stag beetle, common toad and the sixteen-spot ladybird. Barnsbury Wood is used by Islington’s environmental education staff to run activities for school children.”
Location | London N1 1BW
More Information
For more information, visit: https://londongardenstrust.org/conservation/inventory/site-record/?ID=ISL009
4. Woodberry Wetlands
As stated on the London Wildlife Trust website:
“Woodberry Wetlands is a haven for wildlife and people in Hackney: 11 hectares of reed-fringed ponds and dykes, always free and accessible to everyone. The reserve is five minutes’ walk from the densely built-up areas of Manor House, Stoke Newington and Woodberry Down. The contrast between the surrounding tower blocks and the wild wetland habitat with old oak trees is almost unbelievable. The nature reserve is free to visit every day of the week, it offers great opportunities for people to enjoy nature in the heart of London. There is also a café to enjoy refreshments and plenty of activities for all.”
Location | London N16 5HQ
More Info
For more information, visit: https://www.wildlondon.org.uk/woodberry-wetlands-nature-reserve
5. Parkland Walk
As stated on the Parkland Walk website:
“The Parkland Walk is the longest Linear Nature Reserve in London at 4km in length, and follows the former railway line connecting Finsbury Park to Alexandra Palace which opened in 1873. Its fame is now global as it often features on ‘must-do’ lists for visitors from oversees. At times it can be quite busy and weekends bring walkers, dog walkers, runners and cyclists all out to take advantage of the weather and escape from the urban hullabaloo.”
Location | Florence Road, London N4 3EY
More Info
For more information, visit: https://www.parkland-walk.org.uk/
6. Adelaide Nature Reserve
As stated on the Trfihi Parks website:
“The site has been a nature reserve since 1984 but for hundreds of years had been a hay meadow area which provided food for London’s horses. A railway was built through the area in the 19th century and Stephenson’s railway tunnel can be seen nearby. When completed in 1837 this was one of the engineering wonders of the world. In the 20th century, up until world war two, it was covered with domestic gardens. There was a tree nursery here at one time. The reserve was co-founded by Ursula Granville and there is a plaque to commemorate her. The land is owned by Network Rail, who lease it to the London Borough of Camden for use as a nature reserve. The site has been managed as a nature reserve since 1985 and received official Local Nature Reserve status in 2011. However, towards the close of 2011, the site has been threatened by an adjacent building project proposal.”
Location | London NW3 3XX
More Info
For more information, visit: https://www.trfihi-parks.com/en/park-details/8943-Adelaide-Nature-Reserve
7. Greville Place Nature Reserve
As stated on Wikipedia:
“Greville Place is a 0.12 hectare nature reserve in Kilburn in the London Borough of Camden. It is a Site of Local Importance for Nature Conservation, and it is managed by the London Wildlife Trust. Habitats include a pond and beehives, and woodland with a mature cooper beech and a black mulberry distorted with age.”
Location | London NW6 5JP
More Info
For more information, visit: https://www.vizitit.com/PVDetail?PVId=4380
8. Walthamstow Wetlands
As stated on the Walthamstow Wetlands website:
“Just 15 minutes from central London, Walthamstow Wetlands is free to visit and easy to get to. Walthamstow Wetlands is the capital’s largest urban wetland nature reserve, providing a special home to many important wildlife species. The nature reserve encompasses 10 large reservoirs, which deliver water to 3.5 million Thames Water customers. Here you can enjoy some peace and quiet, while getting closer to nature and discovering the fascinating history of this unique urban nature reserve. You can also enjoy the hospitality of the café, situated in the Engine House Visitor Centre. For those wishing to run or cycle, we have a dedicated path that allows you to enjoy the nature reserve without disturbing the wildlife.”
Location | 2 Forest Rd, London N17 9NH
More Info
For more information, visit: https://walthamstowwetlands.com/
9. Gillespie Park and Ecology Centre
As stated on the Islington Council website:
“Gillespie Park, winner of the Green Flag Award in 2019 and the London Conservation Area of the Year award in London in Bloom 2015, is Islington’s largest nature reserve. It is home to Islington Ecology Centre – a visitor and education centre which can be booked for events. 2.8 hectare nature reserve which is home to a wealth of wildlife, including 244 species of plants, 94 species of birds and 24 types of butterflies. Ponds, woodland and meadow areas. The park’s Ecology Centre gives advice on wildlife, gardening and sustainable living.”
Location | Islington Ecology Centre, 191 Drayton Park, London, N5 1PH
More Info
For more information, visit: https://www.islington.gov.uk/sports-parks-and-trees/nature-reserves/gillespie-park-and-ecology-centre
North London Nature Reserves and Natural Spaces
So, there is the list!
Now, of course, we did not include all of the spaces throughout North London in which you can reconnect with nature or go for a quiet walk, but if you were to visit the ones listed here, you would not be disappointed!
What other nature reserves and natural spaces in North London do you know about that we have not listed?
As you can see, it is not impossible to find nature in London. So do what you can to get out there and soak it up!
