Doesn’t it feel good to escape the city here at Moat Mount Open Space? It is a hidden gem in the London Borough of Barnet. This 110-hectare park is also a nature reserve.
Moat Mount Open Space forms part of a larger protected area. It includes Mote End Farm Site of Borough Importance for Nature Conservation. Barnet Gate Wood and Scratchwood Countryside Park are also included. Moat Mount is separate from Scratchwood. Scratchwood is another park and nature reserve nearby.
Most of Moat Mount Open Space is open to the public. However, Mote End Farm and some areas remain private. Both Scratchwood and Moat Mount are designated as a Local Nature Reserve.
Moat Mount is known for its hilly landscape. The views from the top of the hill are extensive. Much of the area sits on London Clay. The Countryside Park features grassland. It boasts a diverse range of wildflowers and butterflies. You can find the Leg of Mutton pond here. Several small woods dot the landscape. Target Wood and Nut Wood are among them.
Moat Mount also offers activities. Moat Mount Outdoor Centre and Campsite provides programs. These programs are available for local schools and youth organizations. Interestingly, the Dollis Brook begins its journey on Mote End Farm.
Once upon a time, a prominent figure owned this land. Irwin Cox served as the Conservative MP for Harrow. He held this position from 1899 to 1906.
Accessing Moat Mount Open Space requires a bit of planning. The main car park on Barnet Way is permanently closed. Alternative entrances exist. You can enter from the back of Mill Hill County High School. Other access points are from Barnet Road, Hendon Wood Lane, and Bedford Road. The Dollis Valley Greenwalk starts at the car park. The London Loop passes through the reserve. To reach Scratchwood from here, use the underpass at Courtland Avenue.
Let’s talk about Bruno’s Field. It lies south of Moat Mount. This field is another Site of Borough Importance for Nature Conservation. In the mid-19th century, Lady Raffles owned it. She was the widow of Stamford Raffles. Today, the Royal Veterinary College uses it as pasture for cattle. Bruno’s Field has a varied landscape. It has a pond, small streams, and boggy areas. Old oaks mark field boundaries from the 18th century. Please note that Bruno’s Field is private land.
Take in the views here at Moat Mount Open Space. It is a blend of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and local history. A perfect escape within London.