Madeline from London
Barnsbury Wood London
London’s smallest nature reserve
With an area of just 0.35 hectares, Barnsbury Wood is London’s smallest nature reserve. It was originally the private garden of George Thornhill (who built the surrounding Georgian houses), and still to this day, it retains its secluded feel. For one thing, it’s not a place that many people know about, accessible only via a small black gate off the unassuming Crescent Street. For another, it’s only open to the public once a week: on Tuesdays between 2 and 4pm.
Barnsbury Wood is enjoyed by Londoners all year round, but it is at its most glorious in the summer months when the trees are drenched in golden sunlight. Bring a book or sketchpad, perch yourself on one of the wooden benches and keep a look out for toads, foxes and residents of the local insect hotel. Arrive on the early side, then wander down into Angel for the rest of the afternoon.
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