Our ancient woodlands are one of the joys of living in Ruislip. Their timbers have contributed to many famous buildings in London. In modern times they have the distinction of being the very first Metropolitan National Nature Reserve, which ensures that they will be safeguarded for the enjoyment of our children, grandchildren and generations beyond.
The purpose of the Ruislip Woods Trust is to develop the educational, monitoring and survey aspects of Ruislip Woods and it set up the Friends of Ruislip Woods to involve local people in its work. The work of the Trust is designed to ensure that we know about the Woods, understand what changes are occurring (natural and man made) and provide accurate information to preserve the quality of the habitat. Without this information we will not know when damaging activities are happening, until it is too late. Currently there are 175,000 visitors a year to Ruislip Woods and with expected increases in that number, we must monitor carefully the effects of erosion. A number of rapidly spreading invasive species are starting to occur in the Woods, but without pinpointing their locations no-one knows their true extent.
In 1997 the five local Residents' Associations (Eastcote, Harefield, Northwood, Northwood Hills and Ruislip) set up a Charitable Trust for educational, monitoring and survey purposes, and to enhance the value to the community of the Ruislip Woods National Nature Reserve. It is registered with the Charity Commissioners and maintains full accounts.
