Frays Farm Meadows
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When to visit
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Open at all timesBest time to visit
April to AugustAbout the reserve
The wildlife-rich Frays River in west London's Colne Valley meanders through Frays Farm Meadows SSSI, an area of rich habitat for birds, flowers and invertebrates. Together with the adjacent Denham Lock Wood SSSI, with its wonderful wet woodland and fen,
Frays Farm Meadows provide a rare wildlife haven for some of London’s most threatened species. High Speed Two A proposed HS2 haulage road that would slice through Hillingdon’s Frays Farm Meadows could devastate local wildlife - read more here.
History of Frays Farm Meadows
Frays River is a semi-canalised waterway diverted from the River Colne to feed watermills around Uxbridge. The name originates from John Fray who owned Cowley Hall beside the river in the 15th century. In 1999, the large expanse of meadows that share the river's name was taken under the Trust's management on a lease from Hillingdon Council.
Management of Frays Farm Meadows
We carry out meadow restoration works, conservation grazing using cattle to enhance the diversity of the meadow, and ditch-side habitat maintenance for water voles.
Facilities at Frays Farm Meadows
There are no facilities available at Frays Farm Meadows. However, Fran’s Tea Room stands by Denham Lock and Denham Country Park's visitor centre, with toilets and café, is a 15-minute walk away and is open daily 10.30am-5pm (summer) 10.30am-3.30pm (winter).
Status of Frays Farm Meadows
Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI); Metropolitan Green Belt; Part of Local Nature Reserve (Frays Valley)
Get involved at Frays Farm Meadows
Volunteer with Frays Farm Meadows's team
To find out about the next session contact Robert Spencer via email rspencer@wildlondon.org.uk
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Three nature reserves to visit in London
Did you know that we have 36 nature reserves across London - and they are all free to visit!
HS2 haulage road could devastate Hillingdon wildlife
Experts have repeated warnings that a proposed HS2 haulage road that would slice through Hillingdon’s Frays Farm Meadows and Uxbridge…