Rowley Green Common - Barnet - TQ 216 960 – 4.9 ha Tel: 01727 858901

By 1866, Bostall Heath was illegally enclosed by the Lords of the Manor. It was only the intervention of public bodies such as the Metropolitan Board of Works, which acquired 155 acres in 1877, that helped save much of the original Heath from late 19th Century development.

The heath and wooded areas around Bostall and Lesnes Abbey provided a popular destination for Edwardian day trippers, who were transported by tram from the Abbey Wood rail terminus. You can relive part of their experience today, by visiting the wooded and open areas where voluntary groups are working in partnership with the local councils to restore and manage areas of heathland. Some sections are suitable for wheelchair access and there is a toilet at Bostall Woods.

The heath and acid grassland patches contain heather, lesser chickweed, little mouse-ear, and subterranean clover. Reptiles include slow-worm and you may even catch a glimpse of common lizards sunning themselves on stumps or logs.