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  • Fires/fireworks/open flames and BBQ's
    Barnet now has a Public Spaces Protection Order in place until 2025, so no fires/fireworks/open flames or BBQ's may be used on any site.
  • Is there anywhere to sit?
    There are 2 benches on the Field, 3 benches in the orchard and 2 places to perch in the Copse.
  • Can I use the site for events?
    Friends of Finchley Way does not organise events other than work parties to develop and maintain the site. If you wish to hold an event on the site, you need to apply to the landowner for permission. Barnet Council is the landowner. You can find out more at: Events in Barnet
  • Why are there no rubbish bins?
    Many organisations are getting rid of bins and encouraging people to take their litter home. This prevents overspill when foxes or squirrels pull waste out or when people leave their litter round an already full bin. Collecting rubbish is a cost to the Council that ultimately we all pay for.
  • Where can I throw my rubbish away?
    There are no bins on site. There is one bin outside the Finchley Way entrance but this gets very full and overflows during the summer. Please take your rubbish and doggy litter home.
  • Why are there no dog waste bins?
    These would need to be emptied regularly by the Council. It is better that people take the waste home.
  • Who works on the site?
    Barnet Council mows the grass on the field. Contractors have undertaken some of the larger scale projects in the Orchard. Much of the work has been done by volunteers. The work is organised by the trustees, all of whom are voluntary. There are no paid staff.
  • How is Friends of Finchley Way Open Space funded?
    Most of the money we have raised to date has come in the form of grants for specific things from Barnet Council. We have also had funding from the National Lottery Community Fund, local businesses and residents. Some national companies have contributed in-kind, mainly with tools.
  • What’s that building (Cedar Court flats)?
    The building was built in 1912 with 12 flats. It was built to look like a manor house but it has always been flats. It was part of the communal living experiment. See the history section here History
  • Who are the trustees?
    The trustees are local residents and local councillors. If you’re interested in becoming a trustee please email the Chair at fofwos@gmail.com
  • Who owns the land?
    The site is owned by the London Borough of Barnet. The Friends of Finchley Way Open Space can help with some questions but ultimately we work within their guidelines and with their agreement.
  • How did you get started?
    Forming the Friends of Finchley Way Open Space was a project that developed as a result of the West Finchley Residents’ Association developing the Neighbourhood Plan. See https://www.wf-ra.co.uk/ for more information on the Association and the Plan.
  • Should dead trees be removed?
    No. Dead trees are great habitat for all sorts of wildlife including fungi. The trees are inspected by the Tree Department and the tree officer for this area is responsive to queries from the trustees. If we are concerned about any tree we can ask for it to be removed. If the tree is small enough volunteers can remove it.
  • Is the ivy on the trees a problem?
    No. The trustees have had long discussions and asked Barnet’s Tree Department for advice on whether or not the ivy is a problem. Ivy is good habitat for some wildlife. It doesn’t harm the tree and will only pull down a tree if it is already weakened. We have therefore left the ivy on many of the trees. The trees are inspected by the Tree Department and the tree officer for this area is responsive to queries from the Trustees.
  • What’s going on with the mounds in the Orchard?
    Some of the mounds are Thanet sand, others are chipped ceramic. These are ideal materials for growing wildflowers as wildflowers need poor soil. These materials also hold water well, so they don’t need to be watered. The wicker fence will protect the wildflowers while they get established.
  • Why are you only planting wildflowers on the mounds?
    One of the objectives of the charity is to increase biodiversity on the site. In order to do that it is necessary to diversify the planting so that the site supports a wider range of wildlife. Cultivated plants and non-native plants are less good at supporting native wildlife.
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