Ruislip Woods
| Site of Special Scientific Interest | |
Section of the Hillingdon Trail running through Park Wood in Harefield | |
| Location | Greater London |
|---|---|
| Grid reference | TQ081892 |
| Interest | Biological |
| Area | 305.4 hectares |
| Notification | 1990 |
| Location map | Magic Map |
Ruislip Woods is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and national nature reserve covering 726 acres (294 ha) in Ruislip in the London Borough of Hillingdon. The woods became London's first national nature reserve in May 1997. Ruislip Local Nature Reserve at TQ 090 899 is part of the national nature reserve.
Evidence of Bronze Age settlements has been found within the woods during archaeological excavations. Timber from the woods has been used in the building of several nationally significant buildings, as well as locally; the Great Barn at Manor Farm was built from oak from the woods.
Ownership of the woods passed with the manor from Ernulf de Hesdin to Bec Abbey and on to King's College, Cambridge over the years, until Park Wood was sold to the local authority. The remaining woods were purchased from other owners and Ruislip Woods was formed.