Glebelands Local Nature Reserve

Glebelands Local Nature Reserve lies in Colney Hatch, part of the London Borough of Barnet. It forms the larger Coppett’s Wood and Glebelands Local Nature Reserve and is the biggest remaining piece of the old Finchley Common. The land is mostly woodland with patches of tall scrub and open grassland. Several streams cross the site and small ponds appear in wet seasons. Hawthorn, oak, ash and silver birch are the main trees, while rare plants grow in the wetlands. The reserve shelters very rare plants, including the lesser water plantain, found nowhere else in London. A wide range of birds breeds here each year. The site sits beside the North Circular Road and High Road, with a footpath leading in from between High Road and Legion Way off Summers Lane. Visitors walk shaded woodland paths and open grassy clearings. Seasonal ponds appear after rain, adding to the variety of habitats. The streams add gentle sound and movement to the scene. The reserve offers quiet spots to watch breeding birds and spot unusual plants.