Local Wildlife Site

Wildlife

Long wood is one of the best surviving blocks of ancient woodland in Ealing. Midland hawthorn occurs in the shrub layer and the ground flora has abundant bluebell as well as false brome, wood millet and wood speedwell. Broad-leaved helleborine was recorded in the past. The structure of the wood is varied, enhancing its value for wildlife, with wet areas, a stream and open areas mixed with more mature woodland. Opposite-leaved golden-saxifrage and large bittercress both uncommon species in London, occur in one of the wet areas with a range of other wetland herbs and sedges. The field to the north-west (known as Earl of Jersey's Field) is grazed by horses and is not particularly species-rich, but has a mosaic of dry acid grassland and neutral grassland communities with patches of tall herbs and some depressions which are wet in winter. This variety of structure makes this grassland more valuable for birds and invertebrates. Further to the north-west, a wide strip of grassland along Windmill Lane in the former Warren Farm School Sports Centre is being managed for nature conservation and is cut for hay annually, as well being grazed by rabbits. Most of the grassland is fine-leaved acid grassland dominated by common bent, squirrel-tail fescue and red fescue with herbs such as cat's-ear, yarrow, common bird's-foot-trefoil and lesser stitchwort. In the extreme north-west end an area of rank neutral grassland adds further variety. The field in the north-west corner was formerly playing fields which are now grazed lightly by horses. The grassland is slightly on the acidic side of neutral and yarrow and ribwort plantain are particularly abundant. The infrequently-used goods railway line supports some very fine semi-natural habitat. Many mature pedunculate oaks line the top of the cuttings and the ground flora is typical of slightly acidic soils with frequent, common bent, creeping soft-grass and wood sage with sheep's sorrel in the less shaded areas.

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