Dollis Brook facts for kids
Dollis Brook is a lovely stream that flows through the northern part of London, specifically in the London Borough of Barnet. It's like a smaller river that joins a bigger one called the River Brent. The River Brent then flows into the famous River Thames. A cool walking path called the Dollis Valley Greenwalk follows almost the entire length of Dollis Brook, making it a great place for walks and exploring nature. The name 'Dollis' might come from an old English word meaning 'shares of land'.
Contents
Where Does Dollis Brook Start?
Dollis Brook actually begins in two different spots! One starting point is on a farm called Mote End Farm. The other is along the London Loop and Dollis Valley Greenwalk, but this part only has water after it rains a lot.
From these beginnings, the brook flows through private land and then under a road called Hendon Wood Lane. Its journey continues east through Totteridge Fields, which is a very important natural area. It then winds through fields and open spaces until it reaches King George V Playing Fields in Totteridge.
The Brook's Journey South
After Totteridge, the brook turns south. It forms the eastern edge of Totteridge and flows through Wyatts Farm Open Space and Brook Farm Open Space. It passes near Totteridge and Whetstone Underground station.
The brook then continues south through Woodside Park, where it meets another stream called Folly Brook. It also passes through West Finchley. A cool part of its journey is when it flows under the huge Dollis Brook Viaduct. This viaduct carries the Northern line trains between Finchley Central and Mill Hill East Underground stations. For many years, until 1965, Dollis Brook was the border between the towns of Finchley and Hendon.
Where Dollis Brook Ends
After passing under Dollis Road, the brook flows through Windsor Open Space. It then goes under the Great North Way, which is the A1 main road.
Near Bridge Lane in Hendon, Dollis Brook joins with another stream called Mutton Brook. When they meet, they form the start of the River Brent.
Nature Along Dollis Brook
Dollis Brook is a special place for nature. Different parts of the brook are recognized for their importance to wildlife.
Upper Dollis Brook: A Nature Hotspot
The section of Dollis Brook between Mill Hill and Woodside Park is called Upper Dollis Brook. This area, including the open spaces nearby, is a very important place for nature.
Even though it's quite shaded, you can find beautiful plants like yellow iris and water-pepper growing along its banks. If you're lucky, you might spot amazing birds like kingfishers, grey wagtails, and moorhens enjoying the stream.
Lower Dollis Brook: A Green Pathway
The section called Lower Dollis Brook starts at Woodside Park. It includes areas like Brent Park and continues until it passes under the Northern line near Brent Cross.
While it might not have as many different kinds of plants and animals as Upper Dollis Brook, it's still a very important "green corridor." This means it provides a valuable natural path through areas where there are lots of houses and buildings, helping wildlife move around and giving people a green space to enjoy.
