Few realize the quiet secrets held within Barnet Gate Wood. This public open space offers a peaceful escape right here in Barnet Gate. Managed by the London Borough of Barnet, Barnet Gate Wood forms part of the Watling Chase Community Forest.
Barnet Gate Wood is a small ancient woodland. Its canopy features oak and hornbeam trees. The understorey is mainly rhododendron. Some hornbeams have unusual shapes. They were trained as hedges long ago, and then left to grow wild. This woodland has maintained the same shape since 1754.
You can enter Barnet Gate Wood from Hendon Wood Lane. Look for the junction with Barnet Road. Access is also available from the Dollis Valley Greenwalk and London Loop. Find the wooden posts marked 12 and 13. These mark points on the Barnet Gate Wood Nature Trail.
Barnet Gate Wood is part of Moat Mount Open Space and Mote End Farm. It is a Site of Borough Importance for Nature Conservation. It’s recognized as Borough Grade II. Sadly, the woodland hasn’t fared as well as other woods in Barnet. Rhododendron has overgrown in places. Native trees aren’t setting seed as easily.
However, Barnet Gate Wood boasts the finest examples of “layed” hornbeam in the Borough. Though many woodland flowers have been shaded out, some remain. The woods offer a peaceful haven for visitors. It’s interesting to compare it with managed woods elsewhere. The Dollis Valley Green Walk runs by the woodland. It connects Moat Mount Open Space to Totteridge Fields.
Barnet Gate Wood is also a primary source of the Dollis Brook. This brook winds through the borough. Finally, it reaches the Welsh Harp Reservoir. Once, most woodland flowers thrived here. Now, they struggle for sunlight. Still, the wood’s quiet charm endures. It offers a unique glimpse into the past.
Imagine the wood in 1754. Its shape remains unchanged across centuries. Consider the skilled hands that trained the hornbeam hedges. Picture the rhododendrons taking over the understorey. Despite challenges, Barnet Gate Wood retains its special character. Its ancient roots run deep beneath our feet. Barnet Gate Wood continues to offer a valuable green space for all to enjoy.