Long wait is over for Long Lane Pasture
By Diana Cormack. As published on The Archer, August 2009
The official opening of Long Lane Pasture took place in such beautiful weather it seemed that nature itself approved of this long awaited day.
For the last 11 years volunteers have struggled to keep the place open for people to enjoy. Barnet Council purchased the Pasture in 1912 and the public used it until the 1980s, when proposed construction work on the North Circular Road jeopardised its future. A campaign to stop the council selling the land for housing led to the creation of the Long Lane Pasture Action Group in 1998. Since 2004, with help from the Big Lottery Fund and local donations, the group has worked hard to prepare the overgrown site for the community to visit.
Peppercorn Pasture
Now they have succeeded in obtaining a 25-year lease from Barnet Council at a peppercorn rent. Ann Brown, chairwoman of the Trust, presented the Mayor of Barnet Brian Coleman with 25 symbolic peppercorns when he performed the opening ceremony on 19 June. In her speech she thanked the mayor for his long and valued support of the scheme, which he described as “a dream come true”.
his remnant of historic Finchley Common is now a wildlife refuge. Its ponds attract native amphibians, birds and dragonflies whilst a variety of wild lowers, brambles and bushes sustain bees, butterflies and other insects. There are bird feeding stations, an easy walking grassland trail plus a hard standing path and seating area.
Access to the area, which is bordered by the Northern line and the North Circular Road, is by a footpath on Long Lane opposite the ire station. The Pasture is open to the public between 10am and 5pm on Saturdays and Sundays (no dogs, please) and there is a regular programme of events. Groups, particularly schools and youth groups, are welcome by arrangement. Volunteer work is on Saturdays at 10am. If you wish to join in, make a donation or need more information call [REDACTED].