Scratchwood Open Space

Downs, Moorland in Middlesex

England

Scratchwood Open Space

Shenley Road, Borehamwood Heading south the A5 (as was) was closed in Radlett and all traffic was diverted through Borehamwood. I was tempted to pick up a Wimpy as there are very few left now. — Shenley Road, Borehamwood Credit: David Howard

Scratchwood Open Space is a picturesque nature reserve located in Middlesex, England. Covering an area of approximately 57 hectares, it is a haven for wildlife and a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers alike. The open space is situated on the southern edge of the London Borough of Barnet, close to the M1 motorway.

The landscape of Scratchwood Open Space is diverse and captivating, with a mix of woodlands, downs, and moorland. It boasts a variety of habitats, including ancient woodland, grassland, and wetlands, making it an ideal home for a wide range of flora and fauna. Visitors can expect to encounter an array of wildflowers, including bluebells, primroses, and orchids, providing a burst of color during the spring and summer months.

The open space is also home to a rich diversity of wildlife. Birdwatchers will delight in spotting species such as woodpeckers, warblers, and finches, while other animals such as foxes, rabbits, and squirrels can be seen throughout the year. Scratchwood Open Space is also known for its population of butterflies, with species such as the common blue and orange tip fluttering among the wildflowers.

In addition to its natural beauty, Scratchwood Open Space offers various amenities for visitors to enjoy. There are well-marked walking trails that meander through the reserve, allowing visitors to explore its different habitats and admire the stunning views. Picnic areas and benches are scattered throughout the open space, providing ideal spots for relaxation and enjoying a packed lunch amidst nature.

Overall, Scratchwood Open Space is a delightful slice of nature in Middlesex, offering a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Whether you are a nature lover, birdwatcher, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, this open space has something to offer for everyone.

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Scratchwood Open Space Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.64028/-0.2647404 or Grid Reference TQ2094. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Shenley Road, Borehamwood

Heading south the A5 (as was) was closed in Radlett and all traffic was diverted through Borehamwood. I was tempted to pick up a Wimpy as there are very few left now.

David Howard

Shenley Road, Borehamwood

David Howard

Elstree & Borehamwood railway station

Elstree & Borehamwood is a railway station on the "Thameslink" route between London, St. Albans and Bedford. It is served by suburban trains. The railway is electrified using overhead cables. This image was taken on a bright and sunny early November day. At this time of year, the sun is low in the sky therefore shadows were long.

Malc McDonald

Penta Court, Borehamwood

Penta Court is a mixed-use block in Borehamwood. Part of the building is offices, but it also contains residential apartments. This image was taken on a bright and sunny early November day. At this time of year, the sun is low in the sky therefore shadows were long.

Malc McDonald

Sainsbury's Local, Borehamwood

A Sainsbury's Local shop in Borehamwood. The building was previously a pub.

Malc McDonald

Allum Manor, Borehamwood

Allum Manor is a manor house, parts of which date from the 17th Century, in Borehamwood. More information about the house can be found on the Allum Manor website: Link

Malc McDonald

Mural at Borehamwood

This is just outside Elstree & Borehamwood station and relates to the fact that both Elstree and Borehamwood have a long history linking them to the British film industry.

Marathon

Winter in Elstree

Overnight dusting in an affluent area of Elstree.

Vijay Shah

From Deacons Hill

A line of hills lies to the north of London, of which Deacons Hill is one. This has long presented a challenge to those building transport links to the north of the capital. The Roman Road, Watling Street skirts Deacon Hill a mile to the west; the Midland main line tunnels directly underneath and the M1 approaches beside the railway before turning sharply west and crossing at the point chosen by the Romans.

David Squire

Elstree Station

A southbound train pulls into Elstree station. In the distance can be picked out the northern portals of the railway tunnels under Deacons Hill TQ1995.

David Squire

Edgware: Meadfield

Viewed looking northwards.

Nigel Cox

Edgwarebury: Farmland

The very northern edge of built-up London here, where the houses end and the countryside begins. This view was taken looking north westwards from the end of Warrens Shawe Lane. There is a large stream flowing in the bottom of the valley which the Ordnance Survey, for some reason, ignores on both the 1:50,000 and 1:25,000 scale maps.

Nigel Cox

Edgwarebury: Pasture

Viewed looking north eastwards, the idyllic rural scene is somewhat marred by the noise from the M1 Motorway just beyond the trees at the top of the hill.

Nigel Cox

Edgware: Francklyn Gardens

Viewed looking northwards from the junction with Parsons Grove. Photography by Darth Vader.

Nigel Cox

Edgwarebury: Pasture

Viewed looking north westwards from Edgwarebury Lane.

Nigel Cox

Borehamwood: All Saints Church

Construction of this Church in Shenley Road began around 1900, when Borehamwood was only a small hamlet. The Church was completed and consecrated in 1910. Its website is here Link

(Note that the parked Mercedes car was being used by someone undertaking a council traffic survey)

Nigel Cox

Borehamwood: Village Hall

Looking just a little in need of a coat of paint, this is Borehamwood's Village Hall, built in 1920, on Shenley Road.

Nigel Cox

View from Woodcock Hill

Academy Court and Footbridge at Elstree & Borehamwood Station in centre. Byron Avenue towards front of picture. The buildings in the middle, going away from Byron Avenue towards Academy Court, are on the site of the former Fire Research Station which moved to the Building Research Establishment at Garston in 1993. Taken September 2004.

Andy Frary

Show me another place!

Scratchwood Open Space is located at Grid Ref: TQ2094 (Lat: 51.64028, Lng: -0.2647404)

Unitary Authority: Barnet

Police Authority: Metropolitan