Welcome to The Barnet Society

The Barnet Society is a non-political organisation that campaigns for the preservation and improvement of the environment of Chipping Barnet and surrounding areas and for protection of the Green Belt.

Founded in 1945 by Trevor Jukes and Gwyneth Cowing, the Society was established to give a voice to local people who believed that the Green Belt needed defending. We continue with that cause today but also campaign on many other local issues. Please refer to our News page for details of current campaigns and other items.

The Barnet Society works to ensure that we get the best for our town and its environs and that any change enhances and improves the area for all who live, work and study here.

High Barnet is a great place to live – open spaces, friendly village atmosphere, prestigious schools and historic public houses. The Barnet Society, the voice for High Barnet and surrounds, is committed to keeping Barnet a welcoming and thriving locality whilst encouraging positive developments.

Our website is a reliable source of news and information about life in our locality and the Society’s work in campaigning for a better Barnet, from Arkley and Hadley to New Barnet and Oakleigh Park.

The Barnet Society is proud to publish a detailed newsletter brimming with local news, community updates, and historical tidbits. Become a member of the Barnet Society now and enjoy early access to our insightful and engaging newsletters for active community participation.

Find Out More About the Barnet Society…

Our Work

Barnet Society

The Barnet Society is actively involved in shaping and monitoring development within Barnet. The society engages in pre-application discussions for major developments, providing updates via newsletters and formal responses to planning applications.

In Chipping Barnet Town Centre, we collaborate with local groups to enhance the area’s appearance and vitality. We also participate in various consultations, responding to proposals from local and regional bodies like the London Borough of Barnet and the Mayor of London, with a particular focus on Green Belt issues, reflecting our historical commitment to protecting green spaces since their founding in 1945.

Our involvement extends to submitting detailed reports in newsletters and at committee meetings, discussing environmental and planning matters. Additionally, the society conducts talks and presentations to educate the community about local issues.

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Our Membership Newsletter

The Barnet Society

The Barnet Society stands as the voice for High Barnet and its environs, passionately committed to maintaining our community as a welcoming and flourishing place while championing positive developments.

Our website is your premier source for local news and a deep dive into the Society’s efforts to enhance Barnet. It’s an invaluable place for discussing and debating current, sometimes contentious, local issues where our input can be pivotal.

But the real highlight of membership is early access to our quarterly Newsletters. Issued four times a year, these newsletters are cherished for their extensive coverage and in-depth analysis of our work to protect the Green Belt, improve our town centres, and elevate design standards in new housing and commercial projects.

By becoming a member, you’ll not only support these initiatives but also receive these insightful newsletters directly, ensuring you’re always in the loop and part of the conversation shaping our community’s future.

Join the Barnet Society today to have access to informed and engaging community involvement through our newsletters.

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Latest News from The Barnet Society

17 Mar 2025 | Written by Robin Bishop
The designs for High Barnet Station car park are entirely out of scale and character with our neighbourhood. In return for such disruption, we deserve an accessible and environmentally enhancing transport hub
Following the recent public consultation about proposals for this highly prominent site, Dan Tomlinson MP is holding a meeting for residents to share their thoughts with the landowner, Transport for London (TfL).


17 Mar 2025 | Written by Robin Bishop
The Barnet Society supports Barnet FC returning closer to its historic roots. But we have severe reservations about aspects of the Club’s case
We wholeheartedly support the principle of Barnet Football Club returning closer to its historic roots, and we can see some potential benefits for Chipping Barnet as well as the Club. But we have severe reservations about key aspects of the Club’s case.


12 Mar 2025 | Written by Nick Jones
Vandalised ULEZ camera pole left littering grass verge at Arkley – a reminder of the campaign of sabotage around High Barnet
Arkley’s much admired volunteer litter picker is having to admit defeat when confronted with an abandoned ULEZ camera pole which was left lying on the grass verge after being cut down during a wave of sabotage.


12 Mar 2025 | Written by Nick Jones
Main through route from High Barnet to Arkley closed to traffic as Thames Water repair collapsed sewer
Motorists and bus passengers are facing severe disruption for the rest of March because of the closure for sewer repairs of Barnet Road, Arkley – the main road from High Barnet towards Arkley and Borehamwood.


4 Mar 2025 | Written by Nick Jones
Barnet Football Club’s supporters hoping their team’s top-of-the table position in the National League bodes well for a return to Underhill
Leaflets promoting Bring Barnet Back are being distributed across the town as the campaign hots up to persuade Barnet Council to approve plans for a new football stadium at Underhill.


4 Mar 2025 | Written by Nick Jones
Adventurous programme of lakeside concerts is planned for this summer in support of Monken Hadley Common 
Preparations are well underway for the most ambitious programme so far for the popular summer season of concerts beside Jack’s Lake at Monken Hadley Common. Since the festival was launched in 2021, there has been ever growing support for the open-air musical evenings which are held in a woodland glade beside the lake.


If you have some local news, some interesting Barnet history or want to bring something else to our attention then please email us.