Glebelands Local Nature Reserve facts for kids
Glebelands is a really special green space located in Colney Hatch, within the London Borough of Barnet. It's officially known as a Site of Borough Importance for Nature Conservation, which means it's a top-tier area for protecting nature in the borough. It's also part of a bigger natural area called the Coppett's Wood and Glebelands Local Nature Reserve.
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Discovering Glebelands: A Special Nature Spot
Glebelands is like a living piece of history! It's the biggest part left of what used to be a huge open area called Finchley Common. This common land was once a vast, wild space, and Glebelands helps us see what it might have looked like long ago.
What Makes Glebelands Special?
This amazing site has a mix of different natural areas. Most of it is covered in trees, like a forest, but there are also areas with tall bushes (called scrubland) and open grassy fields. You'll find many small streams flowing through the land, and lots of little ponds that appear and disappear with the seasons.
The main types of trees you'll see here are hawthorn, oak, ash, and silver birch. These trees provide homes and food for lots of different creatures.
Amazing Plants and Animals
Glebelands is super important for its wildlife, especially in its wet areas. These wetlands are home to some very rare plants. One plant, the lesser water plantain, is so rare that Glebelands is the only place in all of London where it's known to grow!
Besides the special plants, Glebelands is also a fantastic place for birds. Many different kinds of birds choose to build their nests and raise their young here, making it a lively spot for birdwatching.
How to Visit Glebelands
Glebelands is easy to find! It's located right at the corner where the North Circular Road meets High Road. You can get into Glebelands from a path that runs between High Road and Legion Way, which is just off Summers Lane. It's a great place to explore and connect with nature.
