Burtonhole Lane and Pasture facts for kids
Burtonhole Lane and Pasture is a special natural area in London, covering about 6.5 hectares (that's about 16 acres!). It's located between the areas of Mill Hill and Totteridge in the London Borough of Barnet. This spot is so important for nature that it's been given a special status called a "Site of Borough Importance for Nature Conservation, Grade II." This means it's a really valuable place for plants and animals in the local area.
The site includes a historic path called Burtonhole Lane, which runs between Partingdale Lane and Burtonhole Close. There's also a footpath that goes east from Burtonhole Lane towards Folly Brook. You'll find two open fields south of this path and a thin strip of private woodland to the north. A small stream, Burtonhole Brook, flows through the lane and the fields, eventually joining Folly Brook.
Discovering Burtonhole Lane and Pasture
Burtonhole Lane is a very old path, once just a track, but now it's a public path for walking and even riding horses (a bridleway). Imagine walking along a path surrounded by nature!
The Lane's Green Edges
The lane has tall hedgerows and strips of woodland on both sides. These green borders are home to many different kinds of shrubs and impressive trees, especially oak and ash trees. These trees and bushes provide shelter and food for lots of wildlife.
You might spot many birds here, like the cheerful chaffinch, the tiny goldcrest, and the striking green woodpecker. Mammals also live in these areas, including quick stoats, small weasels, and busy bank voles. If you look closely in wet ditches near the hedgerows, you might even see frogs breeding!
The Open Fields and Their Plants
The fields at Burtonhole Lane and Pasture are made of old London clay soil. They are mostly covered by a type of grass called Yorkshire fog. You can also find some tufted hair-grass growing here.
In the wetter parts of the fields, especially near Burtonhole Brook, you'll discover a much wider variety of plants. These damp areas and the brook itself create perfect conditions for many different kinds of flowers and grasses to grow, making the area even more interesting for nature lovers.
