Barnet Countryside Centre facts for kids
The Barnet Countryside Centre is a special place in High Barnet, London, where nature is protected. It covers about 3.3 hectares, which is like 8 football fields! This area is so important for wildlife that it's called a Site of Local Importance for Nature Conservation. The centre is looked after by a group called the Friends of Barnet Countryside Centre. They work hard to keep it a safe home for animals and plants, and they also help schools learn about the environment.
Contents
What Makes Barnet Countryside Centre Special?
This nature reserve is a fantastic spot for different kinds of wildlife. It has a mix of habitats, which are like different neighborhoods for plants and animals.
Discovering Woodlands and Ponds
The centre has areas of native woodland. These woods are full of trees that naturally grow in this part of England. They provide a safe home and food for many types of birds. You might spot all sorts of feathered friends here!
There are also several small ponds at the centre. These watery spots are perfect for amphibians and insects. You can find:
- Frogs
- Newts
- The ruddy darter dragonfly, which is a beautiful insect with a reddish body.
Exploring Open Areas and Insects
Beyond the woods and ponds, there are more open areas. These sunny spots are buzzing with life, especially insects. Keep an eye out for:
- The small copper butterfly, a pretty butterfly with bright orange and brown wings.
- The Roesel's bush-cricket, a type of grasshopper that makes a unique buzzing sound.
History of the Centre
The land where the Barnet Countryside Centre now stands wasn't always a nature reserve. It has an interesting past that led to it becoming the important environmental spot it is today.
From Playing Field to Nature Reserve
Originally, this area was a playing field, used for sports and games. But in 1975, it was decided that the land would be used for a different purpose. It was officially set up as an environmental education centre. This meant it would be a place where people, especially students, could come to learn about nature and conservation.
Changes Over Time
In 2009, there was a change regarding the site's future. The local council, Barnet Council, gave permission for a children's hospice called Noah's Ark Children's Hospice to redevelop part of the site. Even with these changes, the nature reserve part is still cared for by the Friends of Barnet Countryside Centre.
While the nature reserve is still maintained, it is no longer open for the public to walk through. However, you can still get a good view of this important natural area. You can see it from Byng Road, or from a public footpath that connects Byng Road and Cavendish Road. This allows people to appreciate the wildlife from a distance.
