| This is the best remaining part of the
ancient Enfield Chase with diverse woodland, meadow and wetland habitats
which support an abundance of wildlife. There are two main areas of woodland, primarily oak and hornbeam with some beech, rowan and silver birch. The woods are rich in birdlife including woodpeckers, sparrowhawks, warblers and tits. At the southern end of Pond Wood there is an ancient meadow with woodland on three sides and Turkey Brook on the fourth. The meadow is being conserved with the help of Shetland sheep whose grazing stops the scrub encroaching. The meadow is rich in invertebrates, including butterflies, grasshoppers and large numbers of old ant hills. The lake at the southern end is gradually being colonised by plantlife such as common reedmace and gipsywort. It supports large numbers of dragonflies including the ruddy darter. The reserve is leased by the Trust from the London Borough of Enfield. |
 The management regime is designed to encourage a diversity of
species through restoration of the grassland, maintenance of ponds and control
of invasive species. |
| Visiting |
 Go north along Potters Bar High Street (A1000) and fork right
towards Northaw and Cuffley (B156). After about 1km turn right into Coopers
Lane Road. Reserve is about 1km on right. Layby opposite entrance to Oshwal
Centre. Enter reserve here. |
 Bus stop 1.5 km to west of B156. Train station at Potter Bar
(3km). |
 Accessible at all times. |
 Feb/Mar for drumming woodpeckers, late summer for grasshoppers
and butterflies. |
 Wellingtons required in wet weather. |