This section of the Colne Valley includes a diverse range of high quality habitats. There are several waterways running through the site, including both the River Colne and the Frays. The Frays flows through the natural wet pastures of Frays Farm Meadow.Also included in this site are the wet alder-willow woods of Denham Lock Wood as well as several extensive flooded gravel pits.The gravel pits are part of Mid Colne Valley Site of Special Scientific Interest. Both Frays Farm Meadow and Denham Lock Wood are SSSIs and Local Nature Reserves, managed by the London Wildlife Trust. Denham Lock Wood is open at all times, via footpaths from the Grand Union Canal towpath, Denham Country Park, the Denham Quarry Trail or Uxbridge Golf Course.
Local Wildlife Site
Accessible Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation
Mid Colne Valley
Borough: Hillingdon
Grade: Metropolitan
Access: Free public access (part of site)
Area: 324.74 ha
Description
Wildlife
Overall 53 species of aquatic and wetland plants have been recorded in and around the Frays River. Frays Farm Meadows support locally uncommon species such as marsh-marigold and ragged-robin. Among the important invertebrates here are the locally declining glow-worm and the tiny but perfectly-formed Desmoulin's whorl snail, while the birdlife includes good numbers of snipe in winter. The meadows are also home to a population of the declining harvest mouse. Denham Lock Wood is perhaps the best of very few wet alder-willow woods in London. It is rich in fen plants, including the very localised small teasel. Invertebrates here include the nationally rare balsam carpet moth, as well as several species of cardinal beetle and the banded demoiselle damselfly.Broadwater and the other gravel pits are very important for their birdlife. Over 70 breeding and 80 wintering species are regularly recorded. Wetland breeding birdsinclude little ringed plover, kingfisher, gadwall and shoveler. The heronry on the islands in Broadwater is expanding rapidly. Other wildfowl species are attracted to the extensive water areas in winter.The site as a whole is important for the specially-protected water vole and there are also regular reports of otters in the vicinity.Facilities
Information; car parking; fishing; nature trail; waymarked walking route. The London LOOP passes through the site.
Visiting Frays Farm Meadows Nature Reserve © London Wildlife Trust
Woodpecker nest in Denham Lock Wood © London Wildlife Trust
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