Northern Line Embankment, High Barnet facts for kids
The Northern Line Embankment is a special natural area in the London Borough of Barnet. It is located along the Northern line railway, between the Totteridge and Whetstone and High Barnet tube stations. This embankment is recognized as an important place for nature, known as a "Site of Borough Importance for Nature Conservation, Grade II." This means it's a valuable spot for plants and animals to live and grow.
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What is the Northern Line Embankment?
The Northern Line Embankment is a raised area of land that supports the railway tracks. While it helps the trains run smoothly, it has also become a wonderful home for local wildlife. It's a great example of how nature can thrive even in busy city areas. This special site helps protect different kinds of plants and animals that might not have many other places to live in London.
A Home for Wildlife
This embankment has many plants typical of suburban areas. You can find low-growing brambles and light woodland. The trees here have grown naturally over time. The most common trees you will see are silver birch, sycamore, and ash. These trees and plants create a perfect environment for many small birds. They offer places to nest, hide, and find food.
The embankment is especially important because it is home to one of the few groups of common lizards in Barnet. These small reptiles are quite rare in the area. The embankment provides a safe place for them to live and reproduce.
Why is it Special for Lizards?
The common lizards thrive on the Northern Line Embankment for several reasons. One important reason is that the area is mostly free from pets like cats and dogs. It also has fewer people walking through it compared to other parks. This means the lizards can live without being disturbed or hunted. Another key factor is that no pesticides are used on the embankment. Pesticides are chemicals that can harm insects and other small creatures, which are food for lizards. Without these chemicals, the lizards have plenty to eat and a healthier environment. This makes the embankment a vital sanctuary for these fascinating reptiles.
Exploring the Embankment
Even though the embankment is a wildlife haven, you can still observe it from safe viewing points. You can get a good look from a road bridge that connects Whetstone High Road to the Brook Farm Open Space car park. There is also a footbridge between Walfield Avenue and Wyatts Farm Open Space. These spots offer great views of the railway and the natural beauty of the embankment.
