Long Lane Pasture
Long Lane Pasture is a delightful open space with a profusion of wildlife tucked away in the heart of Finchley, North London. It has a fine display of wild meadow flowers in summer and a long border which has been specially planted to attract butterflies and other insects. There is a large pond, regularly visited by birds including moorhens, mallards and herons. Other small ponds contain dragonflies, newts and frogs. A steep wooded embankment has been planted with hundreds of spring flowering bulbs. This two acre field was originally used for grazing and to grow hay for London’s horses. In 1912 it was purchased by the Council for public recreation and enjoyment. Today it has been restored and re-opened to the public after years of neglect, with grants from the Big Lottery, Peoples Postcode Lottery and other grant making trusts. We became a charitable trust, and have a twenty five year lease to run the site for the benefit of the community and wildlife. Volunteer work takes place every Saturday morning to keep the Pasture safe and paths mown. A group of Friends provide vital support, as do our volunteers. Visitors of all ages and abilities are welcome every weekend: there are seats around the site and a hard standing path for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Special events are organised on some Saturdays during the summer, like pond dipping, butterfly counting, hay making and tree care.
Park Facilities
Community Winner