This site is in an old quarry which is gradually being reclaimed by nature. Its northern section is managed as a nature reserve by the London Wildlife Trust. Past quarrying activities have left a variety of habitats, occupied by a wide range of species. A shaded pond is present in the wood. Access to the nature reserve is via Harvil Road.
Local Wildlife Site
Accessible Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation
Dew's Dell
Borough: Hillingdon
Grade: Borough Grade I
Access: Free public access (part of site)
Area: 8.78 ha
Description
Wildlife
Pedunculate oak and ash trees dominate the northern wooded areas. Other trees include silver birch, hawthorn and blackthorn. Common knapweed, agrimony and ox-eye daisy are found in drier grassland areas, with cuckooflower and common spotted-orchid in damper sections.Beyond the reserve, the quarry is mostly woodland of sycamore and silver birch with some pedunculate oak and wild cherry. Beneath these are blackthorn and elder bushes, with common nettle, bramble and occasional male fern. The shaded pond supports water-pepper and duckweed.Facilities
Waymarked walking route
Common spotted-orchid © Mike Waite
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