Mill Hill • Barnet • NW7
Looking after the old railway and the nature reserve
A local group of volunteers who help keep Mill Hill Old Railway Nature Reserve tidy, safe and welcoming.
About the group
Volunteers making a difference locally
We are a group of local volunteers who carry out litter picking and basic maintenance on Mill Hill Old Railway Nature Reserve in Barnet. We are recognised by the council and have permission to carry out this volunteer work.
The reserve follows part of the former railway route between Mill Hill and Edgware. Today the old railway corridor provides woodland, grassland and habitat for a wide range of wildlife.
Our regular working day
The last Sunday of every month
Come along for as much or as little of the session as you can manage. Please contact us first if you are thinking of joining for the first time.
Monthly working days
Last Sunday of each month
Each highlighted date is our regular monthly working day. Dates are generated automatically, so the calendar remains useful in future years.
The reserve and its railway heritage
A place where nature meets local history
A short history
From railway to nature reserve
The railway route through this part of Mill Hill was part of the Edgware, Highgate and London Railway network. The line to Edgware opened in 1867. Mill Hill (The Hale) station opened in 1906.
Plans in the 1930s envisaged electrifying and doubling the route as part of the Northern Heights programme. The Second World War interrupted those plans. Passenger services to The Hale ended in 1939, while goods traffic continued until the line closed in 1964.
The former railway corridor has since become valuable urban wildlife habitat, with woodland, rough grassland and wildflowers.
Getting there
Reserve entrances
There are access points around the former railway corridor. The map below is centred on the reserve; use the buttons underneath for directions to the two entrances we want visitors to know about.
The second access point is shown using the reserve's published central location as a practical map reference; please check the entrance signage on arrival.
Questions or want to join?
Get in touch
For questions about the volunteer sessions, joining the group, or anything else about our work, please email us.