Mill Hill Substation Pastures facts for kids
Mill Hill Substation Pastures is a special natural area in Mill Hill, which is part of the London Borough of Barnet. It covers about 15 hectares, which is like 37 football fields! This place is so important for nature that it's called a Site of Metropolitan Importance for Nature Conservation. This means it's one of the best places in London for wildlife and plants.
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What Makes This Place Special?
This nature reserve is mostly made up of green fields, or pastures. Horses often graze here, helping to keep the grass healthy. These fields have patches of very old, natural grassland. The soil here is damp clay, which is perfect for certain kinds of plants.
Unique Plants and Flowers
You can find some plants here that are quite rare in the local area. These include the interesting-sounding devil's bit scabious, sneezewort, pepper-saxifrage, and red bartsia. These plants add to the beauty and importance of the pastures. They also provide food and shelter for insects and other small creatures.
Old Hedges and Flowing Water
The hedges that divide the fields look very old. These ancient hedges are like natural highways for wildlife. They offer safe places for birds to nest and small animals to hide. A small stream called Burtonhole Brook flows through the site. This brook is a branch of a larger stream called Folly Brook. The water adds even more variety to the habitats here, making it a great home for different plants and animals.
Home for Birds
The old hedges and small areas of woodland are perfect hiding spots for many kinds of birds. They use these areas for shelter, to find food, and to raise their young. It's a peaceful refuge where birds can thrive away from busy city life.
Visiting Mill Hill Substation Pastures
The Mill Hill Substation Pastures are on private land. This means you cannot walk directly into the reserve. However, you can still enjoy views of this beautiful natural area. You can see the pastures clearly from nearby Burtonhole Lane and Partingdale Lane. From these spots, you can observe the horses grazing and appreciate the peaceful landscape.
