Woodridge Nature Reserve

Woodridge Nature Reserve is a small green space in Woodside Park, managed by the London Borough of Barnet. It covers just 0.7 hectares on London clay, with oak woodland and grassland that once formed part of a farm. The reserve was created as an outdoor classroom for local primary schools but now shows signs of neglect. It sits beside Folly Brook, which flows through the wider Folly Brook Valley. A kissing gate near Michleham Down provides the main entrance from the Valley’s pasture. The site remains a haven for wildlife despite its overgrown state. Woodland birds, insects and amphibians find shelter among the trees and grass. The reserve’s origins as pasture still shape the landscape, with damp clay soil supporting a variety of plants. Its location between Woodside Park and Totteridge links it to a larger network of woods and grassland. The reserve’s quiet corners offer a contrast to nearby streets. Inside, visitors follow narrow paths winding through oak and grassland. The reserve’s small size means a walk can be finished in minutes, yet it feels remote. Folly Brook can be heard nearby, adding to the peaceful atmosphere. The kissing gate entrance makes access simple from the Valley’s open space. Even in neglect, the reserve provides a glimpse of nature close to the city.