Perivale Wood, the second oldest nature reserve in Britain, is made up chiefly of an ancient oak-ash woodland, with its understorey of coppiced hazel. In addition to the wood, there is uncultivated grassland, grazed pasture land, a small area of damp scrub, three ponds and two small streams as well as several hedgerows. It is bounded on the northern edge of the wood by the Grand Union Canal. Perivale Wood is generally only open to members of the Selborne Society which owns and manages the site. However, it is open for the public to view the bluebells on the first Sunday in May. There are regular field meetings for members, to which non-members are welcome to come. Schools and colleges may arrange private guided tours – see the related link to the Selborne Society.Perivale Wood is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and Local Nature Reserve.
Local Wildlife Site
Accessible Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation
Perivale Wood Local Nature Reserve
Borough: Ealing
Grade: Metropolitan
Access: Access at limited times
Area: 11.6 ha
Description
Wildlife
The wood is best known for its bluebells but there are also many other plants, including wild service-tree, goldilocks buttercup and three-nerved sandwort. In the old grassland to the east and south of the woodland are adder's-tongue fern and blinks.The site supports over 600 species of fungi, 300 species of moth and 40 species of regularly breeding birds. It also has a good population of slow-worms.Facilities
Information; nature trail; toilet.Field meetings, guided tours for schools organised though the Selborne Society.
Mycena rosea, a common but attractive woodland fungus © Jason Gallier
Bluebells at Perivale Wood © Jan Hewlett
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