Long Lane Pasture facts for kids
Long Lane Pasture is a special place in Finchley, London. It's a nature reserve, which means it's a protected area for plants and animals. This reserve is about 1.1 hectares in size, which is like two football fields! The land belongs to the local government, called Barnet Council. However, a group called the Long Lane Pasture Trust takes care of it. They work hard to keep it a beautiful natural space.
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History of Long Lane Pasture
How the Land Was Saved
Long Lane Pasture has an interesting history. Back in 1912, the local government of Finchley bought this land. They wanted it to be a place where everyone could relax and enjoy nature.
However, in the 1920s, about half of the land was used to build a big road. This road is called the North Circular Road. In 1965, Finchley became part of the London Borough of Barnet. So, Barnet Council became the new owner of the pasture.
For many years, the pasture was open to everyone. Horses even grazed there! But in the 1980s, it had to close for some road repairs.
Protecting the Pasture
In 1999, the council thought about selling the land for houses. But many people in the community wanted to keep it as a green space. They started a big campaign to save it.
Because of their efforts, the council changed its mind in 2006. In 2009, the Long Lane Pasture Trust was given a 25-year agreement to manage the land. This means they can look after it for a long time.
Managing the Nature Reserve
Caring for Wildlife
The Long Lane Pasture Trust works closely with Barnet Council. They have a special plan to manage the reserve. Their main goal is to protect the wildlife living there. They also want to make the area even better for different types of plants and animals. This helps to increase the biodiversity (the variety of life) of the reserve.
How to Visit Long Lane Pasture
You can visit Long Lane Pasture by using a footpath. This path is on Long Lane, just north of the North Circular Road. It's a great place to enjoy nature and see local wildlife.
