Totteridge Common

Totteridge Common is a 3.7-hectare nature reserve in the London Borough of Barnet. It sits along the southern side of Totteridge Common road, between Totteridge Park and Oak Lodge. The land has been common land since the Manor of Totteridge was transferred to the Totteridge Manor Association in 1954. Five old ponds form the heart of the site: Burnham’s Pond, Warren Pond, Long Pond, Ellern Mede Pond and Pink Cottage Pond. These ponds support wetland plants and wildlife such as dragonflies, amphibians and invertebrates. The common’s varied habitats include grassland, scattered trees, overgrown hedgerows and pockets of scrubby woodland. Sycamore and elm dominate the woodland, with rare black poplar and fine mature oaks and horse-chestnuts scattered throughout. The grassland holds a good range of wild flowers, and damp areas near the ponds support tufted hair-grass. Long Pond is used for angling, adding a quiet recreational use to the natural setting. Visitors find a chain of five ponds linked by gentle paths, each with its own character and wildlife. The edges of the ponds display lesser spearwort, trifid bur-marigold and fool’s watercress, while deeper water holds white water-lily and pondweeds. Scattered mature trees provide shade, and the grassland offers open space for wild flowers and quiet walks. The common’s mix of wetland, woodland and grassland makes it a small but rich place for nature close to London.