Why do the trees here seem to whisper secrets? We are now standing at Denham Lock Wood. This special place is a biological Site of Special Scientific Interest. Denham Lock Wood spans 6.3 hectares near Denham, in the London Borough of Hillingdon.
Denham Lock Wood was officially recognised in 1986. It is now carefully managed by the London Wildlife Trust. They act on behalf of Hillingdon Council. This wood also lies within the Colne Valley Regional Park.
Let’s take a closer look at its description. Denham Lock Wood features a wet woodland and fen. The Frays River skirts its edges. You’ll notice alder and crack willow thriving in the damper areas. Look around. Oak and ash trees dominate the drier spots. Hazel shrubs form a dense underlayer.
During winter months, Denham Lock Wood becomes a haven for wildfowl. As spring arrives, many flower species bloom. Keep an eye out for red cardinal beetles. You might spot banded demoiselles. The rare Desmoulin’s whorl snail also lives here.
Denham Lock Wood boasts a unique claim to fame. The balsam carpet moth was first identified here in 1955. At that time this moth species was added to the list of British species. Interestingly, it is only known at one other site in Britain.
Planning your visit? Denham Lock Wood is accessible via a footbridge. This bridge crosses the Frays River from Frays Farm Meadows. Remember that Frays Farm Meadows is also a nature reserve. The London Wildlife Trust manages it. The meadows lie just south of Denham Lock Wood. To reach the meadows, use the stile on the east side of the Grand Union Canal at Denham Lock.
London Wildlife Trust began managing Denham Lock Wood in 1990. This agreement was made with Hillingdon Council. The wood gained recognition for its importance to wildlife. It became part of Frays Valley Local Nature Reserve. Denham Lock Wood has remained open to the public for many years.
Denham Lock Wood holds several important designations. It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. It is also part of a Site of Metropolitan Importance for Nature Conservation. Denham Lock Wood is a Local Nature Reserve. It falls within the Metropolitan Green Belt.
For the best experience, plan your visit between April and October. Denham Lock Wood is open at all times. Remember to respect this fragile environment.
Frays River was created to feed the mills at Uxbridge. It flows off the River Colne. You can see an old railway bridge spanning over the Frays. It is a relic of a disused railway that ran to Uxbridge. The railway started from Harefield.
Conservation grazing helps maintain the meadows around Denham Lock Wood. Cattle graze here during the summer. Please keep dogs under control.
Roe deer and muntjac frequent this site. You might see Cetti’s warblers or long-tailed tits. Water voles also live here. In winter, snipe make their home in the wet meadows.
Now, as we leave Denham Lock Wood, remember its special place in London’s natural history. It’s a haven for wildlife. It is open for all to enjoy.