Frays Farm Meadows
Location
Know before you go
Grazing animals
CattleWalking trails
Walking access 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 the meadows are accessible. 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.
Access
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. The terrain of the meadows can be difficult, particularly in wet weather.
Dogs
When to visit
Opening times
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
There are no facilities available at Frays Farm Meadows. However, Fran’s Team 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).
Volunteer with Frays Farm Meadows's team
To find out about the next session contact Simon Hawkins on 07772 821 134 or email shawkins@wildlondon.org.uk
