Long Lane, Finchley, London N3 2RN
Long Lane Pasture
Mixed-habitat reserve
Source image
5.9
Wildland
Under 1 hour
Time
Free
Cost
Peaceful
Feel
Why it's Wildland
5.9A volunteer-run wild meadow in Finchley, where butterflies, grasshoppers and wildflowers find room among London’s streets.
Long Lane Pasture makes a small, vivid nature escape out of an urban setting: a wild meadow, a pond, butterfly planting and wildlife details visitors can seek out on a short wander. Its informal grassy paths can be rough and wet, so the accessible hard-surfaced path is the dependable option for visitors who need firmer footing.
Peaceful
Find your way
Open mapLong Lane, Finchley, London N3 2RN
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The experience
Allow 20–30 minutes for a walk around the Pasture, or longer to linger. Check current access arrangements, especially between November and March or after wet weather.
Things to do
Follow the accessible pond-side path
Take the short hard-surfaced all-weather path alongside the butterfly border and pond to the seating area. The site says this path is suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
Short walk
Look for meadow insects
Watch the wildflowers and tall grasses for butterflies and grasshoppers; the reserve also lists wasp spiders among wildlife visitors might see.
Pause at the entrance noticeboard
Check the site map and the posted list of wildlife visitors might see before exploring.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · 20–30 minutes
A short meadow-and-pond wander
- 01
Check the official visitor page for current opening and access conditions before setting out.
- 02
Use the entrance noticeboard for the site map and wildlife list.
- 03
Follow the short hard-surfaced path beside the butterfly border and pond to the seating area.
- 04
If conditions allow, wander the informal grassy paths and look for meadow wildlife; keep to paths and respect undisturbed areas.
Hidden details
Wasp spiders among the meadow grasses — The reserve lists wasp spiders among wildlife visitors might see. Look carefully among the grasses and vegetation; sightings are not guaranteed.
The entrance wildlife noticeboard — A map and a list of wildlife visitors might see are posted by the entrance, giving a useful starting point for a more observant visit.
When to go
April · May · June · July · August · September · October · Check the current opening times before visiting; the supplied official information does not identify a best time of day for wildlife watching.
The official site gives regular daily opening from April to October. From November to March, visitors should coordinate access with volunteers; wet conditions can also affect opening and make the ground difficult.
The Pasture can be very wet after rain and in late autumn, winter and early spring. Wear stout footwear and watch your step; opening may be affected by wet conditions.
What to look for
Look for butterflies over the wildflowers, grasshoppers in the tall grasses and wasp spiders’ webs. The entrance noticeboard has a site map and a list of wildlife visitors might see.
Best time to go
April–October for the stated regular opening period; warm, settled weather may make it easier to explore the grassy paths.
Visit during the April–October opening period and check the reserve’s current access information first. Wildlife sightings vary; the site lists butterflies and grasshoppers among the meadow wildlife visitors might see.
How long to spend
Under 1 hour
Perfect for
Families · Wildlife lovers · Photographers
Before you go
Address
Website
Listed hours
- Monday: 9am-7pm
- Tuesday: 9am-7pm
- Wednesday: 9am-7pm
- Thursday: 9am-7pm
- Friday: 9am-7pm
- Saturday: 9am-7pm
- Sunday: 9am-7pm
Check before visiting.
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
Free access. The reserve aims to open daily from April to October, 9am–7pm or dusk. From November to March, coordinate access with volunteers. Opening depends on volunteer availability and may be affected by wet conditions; check the official visitor information before travelling.
Check before visiting
Parking
Check before visiting; parking information is not established by the supplied sources.
Check before visiting
Toilets
Check before visiting
Check before visiting
Food & drink
Check before visiting
Check before visiting
Dogs
Dogs are welcome on leads.
Accessibility
A short hard-surfaced all-weather path runs alongside the butterfly border and pond to a seating area; the official visitor page says it is suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. The rest of the site has informal grassy paths. Conditions may be wet or rough.
Cost
Free
Water
Pond
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Long Lane Pasture
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
