A local resident is appealing for help in bringing the pond at Highlands Gardens back to its former glory, reports Grace Howarth, Local Democracy Reporter

A Barnet Vale resident has launched a campaign to restore a local park’s pond and waterfall.

Ruth Pateman says the pond at Highlands Gardens used to be “absolutely stunning” but now looks “awful”. 

Ruth, who lives in Leicester Road and regularly walks around the 19th Century park, explained how in recent years the pond had discoloured and developed “sludge” and the connecting waterfall and stream had dried up.

The over 100-year-old park was a “lifesaver” for Ruth during the Covid-19 pandemic before she noticed it had developed issues.

“The pond used to run, the waterfall used to run, the water was clear and had wildlife,” said Ruth.

“It started to deteriorate and the Friends of Highlands Gardens group managed to raise money to restore it at one point but, again, it wasn’t maintained and it’s hardly got any water in it now.

“The gardens need quite a lot of restoration work so I thought I’ll start a fundraiser and see what happens and actually it’s got quite big.”

Since launching in October the fundraiser has raised £2,353 and received 100 donations.

Ruth hopes to work with Barnet Council, which manages the public park, to decide on the “best course of action”.

She said: “Maybe we could line the pond, that might not be as expensive, but this needs an expert to have a look at it and I think the council are best placed for that.

“Whoever decides to develop and deal with the issue will get the money.”

Local ward councillor Sue Baker has rallied behind Ruth’s campaign, along with local residents and the Friends of Highlands Gardens group, who are helping to find potential solutions.

Cllr Baker, who met with Ruth and toured the park, said: “Highlands Gardens is a beautiful little park, a special place and is cherished by the Barnet Vale community.

“I fully support this project and its aim to bring this magical New Barnet green space back to life by restoring the waterfall, stream and pond.”

Ruth said she is applying to Barnet Council’s community fund in hopes the council will support and back the campaign.

For more information on Ruth’s fundraiser:
Visit Save Highlands Pond

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