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  2. Physical activity, parks and trees
  3. Nature reserves

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You will not be able to make any payments online or by phone on Wednesday 13 August, 9.30am to 3.30pm, while we carry out some important work on our payment system.

This means you won't be able to pay for things like parking permits, parking tickets (PCNs), council tax and rent through our website, automated payment line (020 7527 8000) or customer services number (020 7527 2000).

We are very sorry if this affects you. If you must make a payment, please try to do it on another day if you can or after 3.30pm on Wednesday 13 August.

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Barnsbury Wood

Barnsbury Wood is a little hidden gem in Islington and the smallest local nature reserve in London!

Barnsbury Wood is open to the public on Tuesdays 2 - 4pm. Any enquiries please contact the Ecology Centre using these contact details:

General information 

  • London’s smallest local nature reserve.
  • A delightful hidden woodland with wildlife garden.
  • Barnsbury Wood was originally a garden belonging to George Thornhill who built the surrounding houses in the 1840s. The area was eventually abandoned to nature and then became woodland.
  • Home to a range of wildlife including long-tailed tit, lesser stag beetle, common toad and the sixteen-spot ladybird.
  • Barnsbury Wood is used by Islington’s environmental education staff to run activities for school children.  

Opening hours

  • Barnsbury Wood is open throughout the year on Tuesdays from 2pm to 4pm. 
  • From July to the end of September, it is open on Saturdays from 2pm to 4pm. Saturday opening is made possible by volunteers from the local community. 

When the wood is closed to the public, it is frequently used by nurseries and schools for environmental education sessions. 

Getting there

The entrance to Barnsbury Wood is on Crescent Street, off Huntingdon Street.

Tube station: Caledonian Road

Train station: Caledonian Road & Barnsbury

Buses: 17, 91, 153, 259, 274

Accessibility 

There are no steps or slopes at the site, however paths are not surfaced.

Dogs

Dogs are not allowed in Barnsbury Wood.

Getting involved

If you would like to help open Barnsbury Wood during the summer months, please email ecologycentre@islington.gov.uk.

Our volunteer group meets every Thursday from 10am to 3.30pm to carry out work on our three nature reserves. Activities are varied and include cutting meadows, weeding the wildlife garden, coppicing trees, cutting back bramble and pond maintenance. No experience is needed and all tools are provided. 

Contact 

Gillespie Park Local Nature Reserve
191 Drayton Park
London
N5 1PH

Telephone: 020 7527 4374

Email: ecologycentre@islington.gov.uk

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