Denham Lock Wood

One of the finest examples of wet woodland in London, designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in the Colne Valley.

Location

North Uxbridge

Hillingdon

UB9 4NA

Know before you go

Size

5 hectares

Grazing animals

There are grazing animals in the adjacent Frays Farm Meadows.

Access

Walking access is via Grand Union Canal Towpath, Denham Country Park, Denham Quarry Trail or Uxbridge Golf Course, although the towpath is easiest. Over the lock gates the nearby stile gets you into Denham Lock Field, from where Fray Farm Meadows is accessible. At the northern end of the field a bridge over the river leads to the boardwalk into Denham Lock Wood. There is no access directly from the A40 road. The nearest station is Denham, a 25-minute walk from the canal lock via Denham Country Park.

Parking is usually available at Uxbridge Golf Course and Denham Country Park but wheelchair access is not practicable because of slopes on the golf course track and the canal crossing. Denham Lock Wood has shallow steps and there is a stile at the Denham Lock’s canal access. A boardwalk on the riverside of Denham Lock Wood and public footpath from the golf course to the canal are well surfaced. Elsewhere paths may be wet and rutted.

Dogs

On a lead

When to visit

Opening times

Open at all times

Best time to visit

April to October

About the reserve

Among the rivers, lakes and canals of the Colne Valley in west London is an area of rich habitat for birds, flowers and invertebrates. The Frays River gently meanders past Denham Lock Wood, with its wonderful wet woodland and fen, and the meadows of adjacent Frays Farm to the south, providing a rare wildlife haven for some of London’s most threatened species.

History of Denham Lock Wood

London Wildlife Trust began managing Denham Lock Wood in 1990 under an agreement with Hillingdon Council, after gaining recognition for its importance to wildlife as part of Frays Valley Local Nature Reserve. It has remained open and free to roam for many years.