Long Lane Pasture

“A peaceful haven for wildlife, and a place for enjoyment for the people of Finchley”

Long Lane Pasture is a two acre meadow on a remnant of the original Finchley Common in Long Lane, Finchley, London N3, opposite Finchley fire station. It is managed under a Trust deed on a lease from Barnet Council, and is run entirely by volunteers with donations from its supporters and grants from various funding organisations. It is open daily throughout most of the year.

The Pasture has recently celebrated two special events. Firstly, on 14 June 2015, The Worshipful the Mayor of the London Borough of Barnet, Councillor Mark Shooter, cut a ribbon to officially open a new gazebo. Along with a corral fence, it was funded by Barnet Council through their Area Committee Budget grant scheme. This was introduced last year by Barnet Council to enable worthwhile community groups in each of the Borough’s three parliamentary constituencies to apply for one-off grants for projects that would benefit the community in a variety of ways.

Long Lane Pasture Trust put the £5000 grant to good use in the construction of the corral fence around the undisturbed grass meadow, and the magnificent gazebo. This will give great encouragement to groups of people, work parties and school classes visiting the Pasture whatever the conditions, ending the disappointment of these events being cancelled due to uncertain weather.

When schools visit or when there are pond-dipping days, butterfly days and when volunteer working groups arrive, there is now a focal point to stand under to hear talks, discuss work plans and even eat lunch, protected from the sun or rain. The gazebo will greatly improve the working environment for all volunteers and visitors to the Pasture.

The event was also attended by local residents, local ward Councillors, Council Officers and members of the Long Lane Pasture Trust.

Secondly, for the fourth year running, the Pasture has received a Green Flag Award. The award recognises and rewards the best parks and green spaces across the country. A Green Flag flying overhead is a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest possible standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent facilities.

Dennis Pepper, Chair of the Long Lane Pasture Trust said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive a Green Flag Community Award for the fourth year running, especially as it is the only one awarded in the London Borough of Barnet from Keep Britain Tidy. This Award recognises and highlights that people in Finchley are benefitting from a green space of the very highest quality.”

“This achievement is entirely due to the imagination of our hard working management Committee and our volunteers. In eleven years we have transformed a bramble-covered wasteland into a peaceful haven for wildlife, and a place for enjoyment for the people of Finchley.”