Question 1

Fires/fireworks/open flames and BBQ's

Accepted Answer

Barnet now has a Public Spaces Protection Order in place until December 2028, so no fires/fireworks/open flames or BBQ's may be used on any site.

Question 2

Can I use the site for events?

Accepted Answer

Friends of Finchley Way does not organise events other than work sessions 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

Question 3

Who owns the land?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

Is there anywhere to sit?

Accepted Answer

There are 2 benches on the Field, 3 benches in the orchard and 2 places to perch in the Copse.

Question 5

Why are there no rubbish bins?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

Where can I throw my rubbish away?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

What’s that building (Cedar Court flats)?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 8

Why are there no disabled friendly paths?

Accepted Answer

The trustees have considered the provision of access for wheelchair users and others with mobility issues.  The trustees agreed that to change the paths in the Copse and Orchard from the current woodchip to type one paths suitable for wheelchairs would fundamentally change the nature and atmosphere of these areas.

Consultation with disabled Friends also found that the site is not big enough and access from Hamilton Way too steep and uneven, to make the effort of getting to the site for wheelchair users worthwhile.

Question 9

Why is the gate in The Drive locked?

Accepted Answer

This is to stop people being able to drive in.  Also, when the police were consulted at the beginning of this project, they preferred all entrances to be on one side.

There is no gate in Penstemon Close for similar reasons but also because this is private land.

Question 10

Why is there no water feature or pond?

Accepted Answer

There is no water feature or pond on the site for health and safety reasons.

Question 11

Will you be growing food?

Accepted Answer

There are apple trees and blackberry bushes on the site and people are free to pick these and to take the windfalls. Other food is for insects and animals as our primary objective is to diversify the wildlife on the site. There are no plans to grow other food for human consumption.

Frequently asked questions