The Glebelands Local Nature Reserve in Barnet is home to London’s largest population of one of our most highly protected species, the rare and spectacular Great Crested Newt.

These newts have thrived for decades next to the busy North Circular Road in a patch of woodland which is an oasis for biodiversity near central London. They share their habitat with other protected wildlife such as bats and slow worms.

All these wonderful and rare creatures are now in great danger. They are threatened by a massive development of 1,485 flats just a few meters from their sanctuary, with tower blocks up to 25 storeys high. But the developer and our local authorities are not abiding by their legal duties to protect the newts and other endangered species.

The threats to the newts have been described as ‘severe’ by the developer’s own ecologist. These include pollution during construction, but also the effects of increased visitor pressure, such as harming and killing newts, damage caused by uncontrolled pets, and the accidental introduction of competing species. It is a criminal offence to handle or harm the newts, or to disturb their habitat, without a licence.

Despite clear legal requirements, there has been no proper survey by the developer of the newts, bats, and other protected species. There is no adequate mitigation strategy to safeguard the newts, such as the creation of new ponds and installation of protective barriers.

We are a coalition of groups and individuals from Barnet and beyond who care deeply about Glebelands Local Nature Reserve. Many of us have worked in the nature reserve for years to protect its vulnerable fauna and flora. We are reaching out to all those who care for wildlife to sign this petition and to send a clear message to local authorities and government.

We call upon Barnet Council and London’s Mayor to protect the remarkable colony of Great Crested Newts and the other species in the Glebelands Local Nature Reserve.

The developer, Regal London, must abide by all environmental laws and guidelines. They should be forced to carry out proper surveys of all protected species and present a robust mitigation strategy. All public bodies must meet their statutory commitments to biodiversity.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves has told developers to "stop worrying about the bats and the newts". Developers have taken her at her word. Local authorities have taken note. Regal London has not worried much about protected species, and Barnet Council and the Greater London Authority have not called it to account.

On 4 December 2025, Barnet council rejected Arada-Regal’s planning application. It was also opposed by the local MP, Sarah Sackman.

Latest development 27th May 2026, Deputy Mayor Jules Pipe overturned the council decision, ignoring the massive public objection to the scheme and has approved that the development can proceed.

Local groups and their allies will do their best to challenge the Mayor’s decision in court. Success in a Judicial Review will strengthen legal protection for endangered species all over the country. Please donate to our legal fighting fund. Thank you!

https://saveournewts.org/

Please donate to legal fund here:
https://gofund.me/6568b4d3

Community Gathering/Walkathon Sunday 14th June 2026 at the Glebelands

Join us to show support and help raise funds for the legal advice
https://ournf.org/gathering