Get involved with nature
Join us on our journey to become one of London’s most sustainable boroughs.
Barnet is brimming with natural beauty, from ancient woodlands to bustling green spaces that bring our community together. At the heart of this green legacy stands London’s oldest tree, known as The Totteridge Yew, in St Andrew’s Churchyard. It is over 2,000 years old and has the “Great Tree of London” status.
In this section
Plant more trees
In 2023, Barnet Councillors approved the Tree Planting Policy. This means we will plant 5,000 trees by 2028, creating a greener, healthier future for all by improving air quality and bolstering flood resilience.
Increase the amount of greenery in the borough
Add more greenery to your spaces, whether you have a large garden or just a windowsill, every plant counts.
In your garden, you can:
- Embrace biodiversity by planting a wide variety of plant species
- Leave a little wild - you don’t have to be too tidy: consider wildflowers and native plants to encourage pollinators like bees and butterflies
- use permeable materials for paths to reduce surface water runoff
If you have a balcony, you can:
Keep pots filled with plants or flowers to add greenery at height
If you have a windowsill, you can:
Keep plants or herbs in window boxes.
Small actions can make a big difference, supporting animals and insects, improving air quality, and helping the planet.
If you want to make an even bigger impact, you can also sponsor a tree in the borough and leave a legacy.
Volunteer with a local group
Barnet has more than 40 groups of Friends of Parks.
Friends of Parks groups are independent, voluntary groups set up at community level. They work together with the council to enhance, improve and promote parks.
Friends of Parks groups come together to form the Barnet Friends of Green Spaces Network
Spend more time in nature
Barnet is one of the greenest suburbs in London. 28 percent of our land (2,466 hectares) is Green Belt and an extra 8 percent (690 hectares) identified as Metropolitan Open Land.
Why not make the most of living in a borough which is so rich in green spaces
Check out our walks and trails, many of which take you through footpaths and grassed areas. Going on walks is a simple and effective way of spending more time outdoors and staying healthy.