This site features some of the finest traditional countryside in outer London. Habitats include large areas of uncultivated grassland and a network of old hedgerows, as well as several drainage ditches. Part of the site is a Local Nature Reserve managed by the London Wildlife Trust.
Local Wildlife Site
Accessible Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation
Totteridge Fields and Highwood Hill
Borough: Barnet
Grade: Metropolitan
Access: Free public access (part of site)
Area: 97.21 ha
Description
Wildlife
The grassland supports a very rich range of wildflowers, including many that are locally uncommon. One of the defining plants of older clay pastures in London, sneezewort, is common here. Other interesting species include harebell, devil's-bit scabious, saw-wort, pepper-saxifrage, greater burnet-saxifrage and square-stemmed St John's-wort. At least seven species of sedge, including carnation sedge grow here. The hedgerows are mainly of blackthorn and hawthorn, but also contain many other woody species, including guelder-rose and wild service-tree.The site also supports a number of breeding birds, including the declining skylark. An important community of invertebrates live here, including several nationally rare beetles and spiders. A large number of moths has also been recorded. Butterflies include gatekeeper, meadow brown and large, small and Essex skippers. The ditches provide valuable shelter for amphibians.Facilities
Information (on signs).
View over Totteridge Fields © London Wildlife Trust
Way-marking at Totteridge Fields © London Wildlife Trust
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