Big Wood and Little Wood

Big Wood and Little Wood are two neighbouring patches of woodland in Hampstead Garden Suburb, in the London Borough of Barnet, north London. Surrounded by suburban streets, they are nonetheless a designated Local Nature Reserve and rank among the capital's more valuable green spaces for wildlife.

Where are they and how big are they?

Both woods lie within Hampstead Garden Suburb, a planned garden suburb from the early twentieth century. Big Wood covers about 7.3 hectares and Little Wood about 1.2 hectares. Barnet council owns and manages them, and access is free at any hour. The approximate coordinates are 51.584 N, 0.19 W.

What makes these woods special?

Both are considered remnants of much more extensive woodland that once covered the area. Heritage records describe the land as wooded for over a thousand years, possibly once part of an estate granted to the Bishop of London in the early eighth century. The woods are a Site of Borough Importance for Nature Conservation (Grade 1) and a Local Nature Reserve.

Which trees grow here?

Big Wood is known for the largest number of Wild Service trees in Barnet, a species linked with ancient woodland. They grow alongside mature oaks, forming a close-knit canopy. Look also for ash, wild cherry, hornbeam, sessile oak, whitebeam, rowan, holly and crab apple. Little Wood has Wild Service trees too, but its trees are generally younger, no more than about 175 years old.

How did the suburb shape the woods?

Dame Henrietta Barnett, the suburb's founder, pressed for trees and open space to be kept when the area was planned. When more land was acquired in 1911, both woods were leased from the Ecclesiastical Commissioners and retained as woodland. Finchley Urban District Council took over the freehold in 1933.

The amphitheatre in Little Wood

In 1920 the Play and Pageant Union built an open-air amphitheatre in Little Wood. It was restored in 1997, giving this small wood a cultural history as well as a natural one.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entry fee? No. The woods are open at all times and free.

Is it a nature reserve? Yes, it is a Local Nature Reserve managed by Barnet council.

Which trees should I look for? Mainly Wild Service trees and veteran oaks in Big Wood.

Is there anything besides woodland? Yes, Little Wood holds a historic amphitheatre dating from 1920.

Who is it for? Anyone wanting a short walk among trees within London, as well as nature and garden-history enthusiasts.