Space to Visit

Scratchwood and Moat Mount form the largest area of woodland in Barnet. Scratchwood has areas of ancient woodland which is mostly oak and hornbeam. In the spring there are many woodland flowers, such as bluebells and wood anenomes to see. Look out for Muntjac deer and many woodland birds too. Moat Mount also has extensive areas of wood, much of which was once ornamental gardens so it is very different in character to Scratchwood. The woods are managed with the help of annual grants from the Forestry Commission. Moat Mount woodlands have grown up from ornamental woods planted over two centuries ago for Moat Mount House. There are many native species, but also some exotic conifers such as swamp cypress and giant redwood – two of the biggest species in the world. Moat Mount is located on the southbound carriageway of the A1, one mile south of Stirling Corner. The 292 bus stops just south of the entrance. The tree trail takes about 45 minutes to complete. Both Moat Mount and Scratchwood have Local Nature Reserve (LNR) status. The woods are separated by the A1 so you cannot just cross the road from one to the other. There is an underpass accessible from the A1 towards Apex Corner.