Cherry Tree Wood is an ancient woodland managed as an attractive local park. It is a fragment of a once much larger woodland in Great Hornsey Park and can be picked out on Rocque’s map of 1754. The Capital Ring between Hendon and Highgate passes through Cherry Tree Wood.
Local Wildlife Site
Accessible Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation
Cherry Tree Wood
Borough: Barnet
Grade: Local
Access: Free public access (all/most of site)
Area: 5.33 ha
Description
Wildlife
The many-stemmed appearance of the hornbeam trees is evidence of the wood's historic management as 'coppice with standards'. The hornbeams were cut back every few years to provide wood for charcoal, whilst the oaks would be left to grow to their full height for timber. Since this practice ceased the hornbeams have grown tall and the wood has become rather heavily shaded. Barnet Council have re-introduced coppicing in places to encourage new growth. Wood anemone can be found here in spring with other ancient woodland plants including ramsons and wood-sedge. Nuthatch and great spotted woodpecker can often be sighted, and mistle thrushes forage on the open lawns.Facilities
Café; play areas (2-14 years); multi sports court; tennis court; events; fairs
Mistle thrush © Susy Hogarth
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