A sequence of shaded ponds, providing homes for frogs and toads, runs the length of this nature reserve, surrounded by lush grassland and woodland. The reserve is managed by London Wildlife Trust.
Local Wildlife Site
Accessible Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation
The Grove
Borough: Hillingdon
Grade: Borough Grade II
Access: Free public access (all/most of site)
Area: 2.96 ha
Description
Wildlife
The smaller ponds and wetter areas support a range of wetland plants including reed sweet-grass, yellow iris, meadowsweet, water-plantain and water starwort. Sparse willows, ash and hawthorn grow around these ponds. The largest pond is heavily shaded and has few wetland plants except for a covering of duckweed. The trees around it include English elm and sycamore with holly and elder.The rest of the reserve consists of woodland, scrub and small patches of grassland, becoming overgrown with bramble and dewberry. The woodland is mainly English oak, elm, goat willow, hawthorn, holly, cherry laurel and rhododendron.Birds seen include green woodpecker, tawny owl and long-tailed tit. Speckled wood, peacock and holly blue butterflies fly on the site. Fungi include stinkhorn and the thin mazegill.Facilities
Information (on signs); car parking; nature trail; waymarked walking route.
Common toad © Mike Waite
Holly blue butterfly © Mike Waite
Feedback
Have a question or a comment for this site, or notice anything missing or out of date? Please contact us.