Community-led action for bees, butterflies and urban biodiversity in Finchley, Barnet
Why Pollinators Matter
Pollinators such as bees, butterflies, moths and hoverflies are essential for healthy ecosystems and food production. In urban areas like Finchley and Barnet, habitat loss, pesticide use and a lack of year-round flowers are putting increasing pressure on these vital species.
Creating pollinator-friendly gardens, balconies and community spaces can help reverse this decline. Even small actions—when taken together—can create a strong network of habitats that support wildlife across a neighbourhood.
Our Mission
The Finchley Pollinator Project is a community-led urban rewilding initiative in Finchley, North London, working to restore and connect habitats for pollinators.
Since 2022, we have supported residents, schools and community groups across Barnet to take simple, practical steps—such as planting pollinator-friendly flowers and creating mini-meadows—to help wildlife thrive in urban spaces.
What We Do
Creating Pollinator Habitats in Finchley
We support residents and organisations to create pollinator-friendly habitats in gardens, balconies, allotments and shared green spaces by providing plants, bulbs and guidance.
Our Mini Meadow Movement encourages the creation of mini-meadows in private and community spaces. Each autumn, we run a community challenge to plant “60 mini meadows in 60 days”, helping to build a connected network of wildlife-friendly habitats across Finchley.
Community Growing & Plant Distribution
Our work focuses on enabling others to grow and plant. Through our community growing scheme in Finchley, residents grow pollinator-friendly plants from seed with support from the project.
These plants are then donated to schools, community gardens, care homes and public spaces across Barnet, helping to increase biodiversity and access to green spaces.
We also collaborate with GROW, an agroecological farm in Totteridge, which grows many plants for the project—supporting sustainable, local plant production.
Workshops & Events in Barnet
We run hands-on gardening workshops in Finchley and Barnet, designed to make pollinator-friendly planting simple and accessible. These include plant-and-take-home workshops, where participants create their own “Buzz Stops” for bees and butterflies.
We also support community groups to run their own workshops, providing plants, materials and guidance. This includes collaborations with Whetstone Stray Community Allotments and Barnwood Forest.
In addition, we organise nature walks and seasonal events, helping residents learn how to identify butterflies and other pollinators and connect with local wildlife.
Education & Webinars on Pollinators and Urban Nature
We offer free online webinars and talks on topics such as soil health, pollinator-friendly gardening, fungi and urban ecology. Recordings are available on our YouTube channel, making them accessible beyond live events.
We work with experts including our horticulturist Deena Joy Kestenbaum, as well as organisations such as Butterfly Conservation, Buglife and Incredible Edible, to provide trusted, practical knowledge.
Our Impact in Finchley and Barnet
Since 2022, the Finchley Pollinator Project has:
- Enabled the creation of pollinator habitats across private gardens and community spaces
- Distributed thousands of pollinator-friendly plants and bulbs in North London
- Delivered workshops, events and educational activities for residents of all ages (browse “past events” on our Eventbrite page)
- Built residents’ knowledge and confidence to garden in ways that support wildlife and biodiversity
Together, these actions are helping to create a more biodiverse, resilient and pollinator-friendly Finchley.
Awards & Funding
Our work has been recognised and supported by both the community and local organisations.
- Awarded a Bees’ Needs Champion Award (2024) for excellence in helping to protect pollinators, by DEFRA’s Nature Friendly Farming Network
- Funded by:
- Barnet residents through community crowdfunding
- Co-op
- Waitrose
- Groundwork London
- The Rotary Club
- Young Barnet Foundation
- Barnet Council
This support has enabled us to grow our impact and reach more people across Finchley and Barnet.
Community in Action
At the heart of the project is a dedicated network of residents, volunteers, schools and community groups across Finchley and Barnet.
People are actively involved in planting, watering, maintaining and caring for green spaces throughout the year, ensuring that pollinator habitats continue to thrive. This long-term, hands-on stewardship is key to creating lasting change for urban wildlife.
Get Involved in Finchley Pollinator Project
There are many ways to support pollinators in Finchley and Barnet:
- Join the Finchley Pollinator Project newsletter
- Follow our YouTube channel
- Take part in a local workshop or event – follow us on Eventbrite
- Volunteer in a Finchley or Barnet community garden
- Apply for free pollinator-friendly plants through our seasonal initiatives. Application’s dates are announced on our newsletter.
- Buzz Stops (spring/summer planting initiative)
- Buzzy Bulbs & Meadows (autumn planting initiative)
Mini Meadow Movement: whether you have a garden, balcony or windowsill, you can help create a Buzz Stop for pollinators. The Barnet-wide community challenge to plant 600 mini meadows in 60 days will open for registrations on 1st July, 2026.
Looking Ahead
We will continue to expand pollinator-friendly planting across Finchley and Barnet while supporting more residents to get involved. Alongside improving habitats for bees and butterflies, we are committed to beautifying local spaces, creating greener neighbourhoods that people feel proud of.
Our vision is a Finchley where nature is healthy, visible, valued and part of everyday life.
Contact Finchley Pollinator Project
Get in touch to learn more, join an activity or stay updated.
Eco Show and Tell 