Plea to preserve pasture

By John Lawrence. As published on The Archer, August 2012

The volunteers who run Long Lane Pasture have launched a centenary appeal to protect the parcel of natural land and safeguard it for future generations.

The open space was purchased for public enjoyment in 1912. Six years ago, local people saved the pasture from being built over for a housing estate and it is now managed by a charitable trust that relies on public donations. The trust receives no funding from Barnet Council, which owns the land and leases it to the trust.

Trust chairman Ann Brown said major capital works to restore the pasture over recent years are complete and grants for these have been used up.

She said: “We are now appealing for funds to keep our work going, to manage the land and keep it for us all to enjoy for years to come. It is run on a shoestring, but we need money particularly to pay for insurance, for mowers and their fuel, for repairs and for tools and equipment for volunteers. Donations, large and small, are enormously appreciated.”

Supporters are encouraged to sign up to Gift Aid as this enables the trust to reclaim the tax on donations, at no extra cost to the donor. Regular donations by banker's order are particularly welcome

Butterflies and blackberries

The pasture, situated opposite the fire station in Long Lane, is open every weekend and bank holiday from 10am to 5pm†. Its busy schedule of summer events has been slightly disrupted by the wet weather. A reception and butterfly day on 14-15 July was cancelled as much of the site was waterlogged or slippery.

Ann added: “We hope people will all be able to visit the Pasture when it has dried out a bit. There has been a good show of blackberry flowers so a good crop of blackberries to harvest should follow in August and September.”

Donations can be made via the pasture's website at or you can get more information by .

† Please note opening hours may vary. Please check