Ruislip Woods NNR
Ruislip Woods NNR consists of four principal areas: Mad Bess Wood, Bayhurst Wood, Park Wood and Copse Wood.
County: Greater London
Main habitats: Woodland, Open Water, Lowland Grassland
Natural Area: London Basin
Area: 296 Ha
Site Map: Nature on the Map
Although most NNRs are managed by Natural England, 88 are wholly or partly managed by other bodies approved by Council, under Section 35 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
Ruislip Woods NNR is owned and managed by the London Borough of Hillingdon.
According to legend, Mad Bess Wood owes its name to the wife of an 18th century gamekeeper, a demented old woman who prowled the woods at night looking for poachers.
Most of the site is wooded, with extensive areas of hornbeam coppice and common or sessile oak. The remaining woods contain oak, birch, aspen, beech and sweet chestnut.
Location and access
The reserve is part of Ruislip Common. The A4180 bisects the reserve from north to south with Mad Bess Wood and Bayhurst Wood to the west of the road. Park Wood and Copse Wood are to the east of the road on either side of the Ruislip Lido, a former reservoir.
The nearest tube station is Northwood Hills, two km to the east, served by the Metropolitan Line of the London Underground. The nearest railway station is West Ruislip which is two km to the south.
Facilities
The nearest toilets and refreshment facilities are at the Ruislip Lido.
Leaflets are provided for visitor information.
