Totteridge Fields is managed by the London Wildlife Trust as a nature reserve, in partnership with Barnet Council.
The 97 hectares have been designated as an area of metropolitan importance for nature conservation. The site includes the privately owned Highwood Hill.
The Local Nature Reserve is an ancient hay meadow habitat consisting of three fields, known as Nutt Field, Hen Mead and Nearer Slay Land, with hawthorn and blackthorn hedgerows. There is a rich mix of unusual grasses and wildflowers and associated insects in this traditional lowland pastoral landscape which is becoming increasing rare. The meadows attract thousands of butterflies creating a colourful display throughout the summer.
The site also hosts the declining skylark and several rare beetles and spiders. The fields are managed under a countryside stewardship and are mown annually as traditional hay meadows to conserve the wildlife.
The old hedgerows include oak, hazel, ash, field maple and wild service tree. They are remnants of the once extensive oak/ hornbeam coppice woodland.
The entrance is on Hendon Wood Lane and the Dollis Valley Greenwalk and London Loop cross Totteridge Fields.
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