Burnt Oak Brook facts for kids
Burnt Oak Brook is a small stream, about one mile long, located between the areas of Mill Hill and Burnt Oak in the London Borough of Barnet. It's like a smaller river that flows into a bigger one! Burnt Oak Brook flows into the Silk Stream, which then flows into the River Brent. Finally, the River Brent joins the famous River Thames.
Where Does Burnt Oak Brook Flow?
The journey of Burnt Oak Brook starts from a small spring in The Mill Field in Mill Hill. However, you can first clearly see the brook in Simmonds Mead Open Space. This is a small green area where Watford Way and Lawrence Street meet.
After this, the stream goes underground for a bit, flowing through a pipe. It then comes out again in the north-west part of Lyndhurst Park. From there, it flows along an area called The Meads and goes under Deansbrook Road.
The brook continues its path, passing through the Abbots Road Allotments before entering Watling Park. Once it leaves Watling Park, it goes underground one last time. This is where it joins the Silk Stream, close to Silkstream Park.
Why Is Burnt Oak Brook Important for Nature?
The part of Burnt Oak Brook between Lyndhurst Park and Watling Park is very special for nature. It's officially recognized as a Site of Borough Importance for Nature Conservation, Grade II. This means it's a really important place for wildlife in the local area.
Downstream from Lyndhurst Park, the brook flows through a narrow strip of grass. This grass is left wild near the stream, allowing different plants and animals to thrive. You can find scattered trees and common wild flowers growing along the banks.
Inside Watling Park, the stream mostly follows its natural path. Trees like crack-willows, hawthorn, and alder grow close to the water, forming a green pathway for animals. If you look closely, you might even spot Grey wagtails. These birds often search for food among the small stones in the brook.
