Pasture goes under cover
By Neil McNaughton. As published on The Archer, July 2015
Tucked away on the N2-N3 border where Long Lane, the North Circular Road and the Northern Line converge, in one of the borough's busiest corners, Long Lane pasture provides a welcome oasis for nature lovers, walkers and anyone who wants to get away from it all without having to travel too far. This open space has been here since 1912, but is so secluded that many local residents are not aware of its existence.
On Sunday 14 June, members of the Pasture's 'Friends' group, volunteers and wellwishers gathered for a garden party to celebrate the construction of a new wooden gazebo and fencing made possible by a £5,000 grant from Barnet's area grant scheme.
Former Barnet Mayor Brian Coleman, who was instrumental in obtaining the Pasture Trust's 25-year lease in 2009, was joined by current Mayor Councillor Mark Shooter and Lady Mayoress Melissa Shooter at the event.
Local resident and custodian of the pasture Wayne Armsby proudly showed off the tree planting programme, designed to mask off noise from the North Circular, as well as the beehives, water features and protected nature reserves, all made possible by a small army of local volunteers.
The new shelter will also be home to a collection of illustrations showing visitors what can be seen in its two and half acres of unspoilt landscape, including butterflies, birds, many species of trees, wild flowers and pond life.
The pasture also regularly sees working visits from groups of young offenders, Duke of Edinburgh award students and local school pupils. It is also planned to use the new shelter or talks, working lunches and planning meetings, especially important given the uncertainty of the British climate!
For information visit the website, www.longlanepasture.org and follow on Twitter @LLPasture.