Saved from development by a public campaign in 1983, Gunnersbury Triangle is perhaps the most significant wildlife site within a large area of inner-west London. It is an extremely important educational resource for local schools and community groups. Bordered on two sides by railway lines, the site is a Local Nature Reserve managed by the London Wildlife Trust. Volunteer management workdays are held every Tuesday from 10am-4pm.
Local Wildlife Site
Accessible Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation
Gunnersbury Triangle
Borough: Ealing, Hounslow
Grade: Metropolitan
Access: Free public access (all/most of site)
Area: 2.71 ha
Description
Wildlife
The site consists largely of secondary woodland dominated by birch and willow, with a small area of dry grassland in the north of the site. The damper woodland areas feature pendulous sedge, tufted hair-grass and great hairy willowherb. A number of locally rare plants are found here, including lady-fern, narrow buckler-fern and heath woodrush. A small pond on the western boundary has been planted with yellow flag-iris and marsh-marigold.Birds breeding on the site include tawny owl, sparrowhawk, bullfinch, chiffchaff and blackcap. In the dry grassland are many large ant-hills made by the yellow meadow-ant. Butterflies seen regularly here and in the woodland include orange-tip, large skipper and small copper.A small pond on the western boundary has been planted with yellow flag-iris and marsh-marigold, and there are also frogs and smooth newts here.Facilities
Information (in the visitor building, with wardens available Tuesdays and Sundays 10.00am to 4.30pm); toilet; nature trail. A site manager is available to lead school groups and the site normally hosts a programme of free events throughout the summer.
Children at Gunnersbury Triangle Nature Reserve © Jan Hewlett
Wren © Jason Gallier
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