Orchids at Dews Farm Sandpitscredit Val Borrell
Dews Farm Sandpits
Location
Know before you go
Grazing animals
NoAccess
The entrance is in Harvil Road, Harefield, 250m north of the council waste facility on New Years Green Lane, just south of the overhead power cables. The U9 bus stops along this road, and the nearest station is Denham (Chiltern Line), 2.5km away, or Ickenham (Underground), 4km away.
The terrain can be difficult, particularly in poor weather, and is steep in places. The nature trail through the site includes some steps.
Dogs
When to visit
Opening times
Open at all timesBest time to visit
April to AugustAbout the reserve
This unusual nature reserve was once a mineral quarry, since reclaimed by nature. The grassland is striking, with hollows and banks providing sheltered hummocks of acid grassland which come alive in summer with insects. A colony of rabbits grazes the grassland, leading to an abundance of wildflowers that you can now see in open areas.
History of Dews Farm Sand Pits
Dews Farm was once a mineral quarry, abandoned several decades ago when sand and gravel extraction ended. Nature has reclaimed the site and now a fascinating array of wildlife is present. Facilities at Dews Farm Sand Pits There are no facilities available at the reserve.
Status of Dews Farm Sandpits
Site of Borough Importance