This site includes sections of the rivers Colne, Wraysbury and Frays (related sites include Mid Colne Valley and Little Britain), making it one of the finest river systems in London. These are spring-fed from the underlying chalk and together support a diverse collection of aquatic and bankside plants, including several with a restricted distribution in London. Associated wet meadows, flooded gravel pits, ponds, alder-willow woodland and an old orchard are included within the site, and provide further botanical interest. The site includes the country-park at Harmondsworth Moor, which is owned by British Airways and received a Green Flag Award again for 20089. Most of the site is accessible via riverside footpaths; the country-park is open at all times.
Local Wildlife Site
Accessible Sites of Importance for Nature Conservation
Lower Colne
Borough: Hillingdon
Grade: Metropolitan
Access: Free public access (part of site)
Area: 94.61 ha
Description
Wildlife
Among the water plant species in the site are the declining river water-dropwort, unbranched bur-reed, great yellow-cress, bladder-sedge, arrowhead, narrow-leaved water-plantain and common water-crowfoot. A field at the edge of the site supports London's only native population of the now very rare wild herb, pennyroyal.The breeding bird population includes kingfisher and grey wagtail. The specially-protected water vole is also present. Unsurprisingly, the rivers support a diversity of fish, including dace, chub and the uncommon barbel.The insect population is also likely to be important; the striking banded demoiselle damselfly is abundant here.Facilities
Information; car parking; cycle paths; disabled facilities; fishing; horse riding; toilets; waymarked walking route.
Male banded demoiselle damselfly © John Archer
Banded demoiselle damselfly, male © Nigel Reeve
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