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Mill Hill Old Railway Nature Reserve facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Mill Hill Old Railway Nature Reserve is a special natural area in Mill Hill, located within the London Borough of Barnet. It covers about 2.3 hectares, which is roughly the size of five football fields! This reserve is recognized as a very important place for nature in the local area.

Mill Hill Old Railway
A view of the nature reserve
Mill Hill Old Railway 2
Another look at the reserve's path

This nature reserve follows the path of an old railway line that used to run from Highgate to Edgware. The railway, called the Edgware, Highgate and London Railway, stopped running in 1964. Now, this old route has been transformed into a peaceful home for plants and animals.

Exploring Mill Hill Nature Reserve

The reserve is mostly a wooded area, meaning it has many trees. You can also find open grassy spots and areas with different kinds of herbs. It's a great place to explore and see nature up close!

Visiting the Reserve

A large part of the reserve is managed by the London Borough of Barnet. This section is open to visitors on Saturdays and Sundays, usually from 10 AM to 4 PM. It's a perfect spot for a weekend walk or to observe wildlife.

Wildlife at the Reserve

The Mill Hill Old Railway Nature Reserve is a fantastic home for many different creatures. Its mix of trees, grasslands, and plants creates a rich environment for various species.

Amazing Animals

The reserve is especially important for slowworms. These are fascinating reptiles that look like small snakes but are actually legless lizards! They love to hide in the grassy areas.

You can also spot many birds here. The gardens next to the reserve help create a good habitat for suburban birds. Keep an eye out for:

  • Sparrowhawks
  • Green woodpeckers
  • Great spotted woodpeckers
  • Long-tailed tits
  • Chiffchaffs
  • Blackcaps

The reserve is also buzzing with insects! You might see colorful butterflies like the orange-tip and small copper. Many moths and other invertebrates, such as hoverflies, are common too.

Wonderful Wildflowers

The grasslands in the reserve are full of beautiful wildflowers. You can find a variety of plants, including:

  • Burnet saxifrage
  • The rare great burnet

These flowers add splashes of color to the reserve and provide food for insects.

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Mill Hill Old Railway Nature Reserve Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.