Frays Farm Meadows

One of the finest examples of rare wet grazing meadows in London and part-designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), near Denham, Hillingdon.

Location

North Uxbridge

Hillingdon

UB9 4NA

Know before you go

Size

29 hectares

Grazing animals

Cattle

Walking 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

On a lead

When to visit

Opening times

Open at all times

Best time to visit

April to August

About 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).