Smallest does not mean insignificant. Barnsbury Wood is London’s smallest local nature reserve. It is a delightful hidden woodland with a rich history.
This wood was once part of George Thornhill’s garden. Thornhill built the surrounding houses in the 1840s. He lived at number 7 Huntingdon Street. It was the vicarage of St Andrew’s Church then. The garden was abandoned to nature and became woodland.
Barnsbury Wood is now a Local Nature Reserve. It is also a Site of Borough Importance for Nature Conservation, Grade I. The London Borough of Islington owns and manages it.
Despite its small size of 0.35 hectares, Barnsbury Wood is important. It is the largest area of real woodland in Islington. Here, you can escape the city. Discover hidden corners and tranquility.
Look out for a small black gate on Crescent Street. It leads down a stone pathway into Barnsbury Wood.
The trees include sycamore, ash, lime, and horse chestnut. The horse chestnut is around 80 years old.
Barnsbury Wood is home to diverse wildlife. You might spot a long-tailed tit. Invertebrates such as the lesser stag beetle and the sixteen-spot ladybird also live here. The common toad can be found here too.
Islington Council purchased the land in 1974. They initially proposed to develop it. Thankfully, plans fell through due to the awkward shape of the site. Residents formed the Barnsbury Wood Cooperative and fought for its preservation. In the 1990s, it was decided to leave it as woodland. It gained nature reserve status in 1996.
Barnsbury Wood was used in Agatha Christie’s Poirot. It featured in the TV episode “The Clocks” in 2011.
Barnsbury Wood relies on volunteers. It is open Tuesdays from 2 to 4 pm all year. It is also open Saturdays from July to the end of September from 2 to 4 pm.
Enjoy this little hidden gem. Imagine George Thornhill tending his garden long ago. Now it’s Barnsbury Wood, a haven for nature and people.