Darlands Nature Reserve

The Darlands Nature Reserve sits in the Totteridge Valley between the villages of Totteridge and Mill Hill in the London Borough of Barnet. The 32 hectares (80 acres) of woodlands, wetlands, grasslands and the Darlands Lake are home to a diverse community of wildlife and boast some wonderful rural walks with spectacular views across the valley.

© Caroline Stock

History of Darlands

The Darlands Nature Reserve was once part of the landscaped park of Copped Hall, an estate dating back to the 16th century. From 1780 it was occupied by William Manning whose wife Mary was involved in the redesign of the grounds and the creation of the lake, probably with advice from Humphry Repton. The lake and circular ride connecting it with the house are typical of Repton. Copped Hall was demolished in 1929 and Darlands House erected on its site by 1935. Other housing was developed over much of the pleasure grounds, and the open park between the house and lake became farmland. In 1982 Darlands Lake Nature Reserve was established.

Information and photographs reproduced with the kind permission of The London Parks and Gardens Trust and The Totteridge Residents Association

© Caroline Stock