Huckerby's Meadows
Important notice: We experienced flooding at Huckerby's Meadows over the summer due to a leaking sewage pipe. Thames Water have since completed works, repaired the leak and carried out remedial works on site. Although the reserve is now safe to visit, we will continue to monitor for any reoccurrence of flooding so please be mindful when passing through.
Know before you go
Dogs
Please note: there are cattle grazing on site during spring and summer.
When to visit
Opening times
Open at all timesBest time to visit
April - JulyAbout the reserve
The reserve sits on the western banks of the River Crane and provides a home for invertebrates and other animals that thrive in its mixed terrain of old pastures, remnant orchard, scrub, river and wet woodland, as well as grassland that has established on the site of an old airport car park.
Huckerby's Meadows opened to the public in 2017 after many years of restoration work by staff and volunteers. The Trust-owned reserve's location at the end of Heathrow Airport’s first runway provides a stunning juxtaposition of London; urban life and wildlife, side by side.
History of Huckerby's Meadows
Part of the site was once farmland owned by the Huckerby family, and Mrs Huckerby grazed horses here for half-a-century. The northern end of the reserve was restored from a car park for Heathrow Airport in 2009. The Trust first began managing Huckerby's Meadows in 1999, when it was called Crane Meadows, while also taking over the restored meadow of the old car park in 2010. After several years of restoration work and habitat improvements, including reconnecting four meanders of the River Crane, the reserve was finally opened to the public in August 2017.
Management of Huckerby's Meadows
A regular meadow management regime is maintained, in line with the requirements of Heathrow’s bird-strike team which aims to prevent the gathering of birds that could cause problems for incoming aircraft. Periodic cattle grazing helps to encourage a greater diversity of meadow flora and fauna and prevent encroachment of scrub and coarse grasses.
Status of Huckerby's Meadows
Part of a Site of Metropolitan Importance; Metropolitan Green Belt
Get involved at Huckerby's Meadows
Volunteer at Huckerby's Meadows
Contact Robert Spencer via email rspencer@wildlondon.org.uk to find out about upcoming sessions.