A 30-ACRE extension to the ecologically important ancient woodland in Ruislip has been granted National Nature Reserve status.
In October 2020 Hillingdon Council acquired Copse Wood, within Ruislip Woods, in October 2020 for £88,000.
This week, Natural England extended the existing NNR boundary of Ruislip Woods to encompass the new section, giving it the same level of important protection.
To add to the celebrations, the declaration marks the 25th anniversary of the original NNR designation for the woods.
NNRs were established to protect some of the UK's most important habitats, species, geology and to provide outdoor laboratories for research.
Ruislip Woods has a diverse and species-rich ancient woodland and provides opportunities for schools, residents and specialist interest groups to experience wildlife and ancient woodland.
The woods are next to Ruislip Lido and provide welcome shade and somewhere else to explore for the many visitors.
Last year, the Woodland Centre on the site was given a makeover to help residents discover more about Ruislip Woods and its wildlife.
Ruislip Woods is the largest block of ancient, semi-natural woodland in Greater London. It is made up of four extensive woodlands: Park Wood, Copse Wood, Mad Bess Wood and Bayhurst Wood.
The woods date back to the Bronze Age and were first scheduled as a Site of Special Scientific Interest in 1950 and in 1959 an area became the Ruislip Local Nature Reserve.
More than 360 species of plants have been recorded on site, with a number of these classed as rare
www.ruislipwoodstrust.org.uk
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