Where is Chipping Barnet Woodland?
In High Barnet, on Christchurch Lane EN5 4LB, there is a small, biodiversity-rich parcel of woodland owned by Barnet council. For the last 100 years, we have been able to enjoy this wildlife haven. The wood is mostly untouched, and bursting with wildlife. Locals enjoy the cool air, shade and bird song as they pass it daily on their walks, on their runs, on the way to the allotments or to play golf.
Who is threatening our woodland?
In June 2024 Barnet council who owns the woodland, agreed to sell the land by way of a Conditional Sale Agreement (*link) to Christchurchgrove Limited, subject to the Council granting planning approval to develop the land.
Accounts filed with Companies House show that Christchurchgrove Limited is a dormant company with no employees and capital of £100. We understand that, subject to planning approval, this parcel of land will be developed with an adjoining plot of land that was owned by The Barnet Recreational Trust.
Their plan is to build on the land. Any building activity on this land will destroy the inherent biodiversity and displace the wildlife that has established itself over at least 100 years.
If planning is approved, Barnet Council is breaking several of it's manifesto promises.
BARNET-ZERO PROMISES
'Our parks, woodlands and open spaces are more than just places to relax and enjoy nature, they are vital in helping us adapt to these climate changes. They also play an essential role in cooling our streets, preventing flooding and providing a home for wildlife.
By prioritising the protection of our natural spaces, we can keep Barnet green for future generations to come.'
Why do we want to protect our woodlands?
As well as the benefits to people, this woodland is a rich and biodiverse habitat, regularly visited by badgers, foxes, muntjac deer, bats, birds on red and amber conservation list 5 plus possibly many other so far unrecorded species. The trees, probably over 100 years old and within this small parcel of land are protected by TPOs (Tree Protection Orders).
Wildlife travels long distances in their daily foraging for food. Hedgehogs travel up to a mile a night.
How is Barnet Council letting us down?
"As one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world, the UK should be restoring wildlife habitats — not trading them in".
CPRE the countryside charity
Barnet Labour key pledges on green spaces
'We will protect the Green Belt, our parks and our green and open spaces. We will not build on them'
'We will scrap the Conservatives’ ‘low quality, low value’ category of green spaces. All green spaces should be valued.'
'We will work in partnership to deliver proper protection of the Welsh Harp, and a robust boroughwide biodiversity strategy.'
We will support the Barnet Green Spaces Network Manifesto, and work with them to deliver it. "Protect ALL existing green spaces in the Borough.'
HOWEVER:
In June 2024 Barnet council who owns the land, agreed to sell the land by way of a Conditional Sale Agreement (*link), to Christchurchgrove Limited, subject to the Council granting planning approval to develop the land.
HOW TO OBJECT
SIGN OUR PETITION
We understand the submission of planning application is imminent. There are two stages to our campaign:
1. Sign petition to urge Barnet Council to stop the sale of the land for development in advance of planning application being submitted.
2. Ask Barnet residents to write in with their opposition to the planning application once public consultation is opened.
Please join us in saving Chipping Barnet Woodland and sign petition and subscribe to updates on planning application.
