This low-lying marsh is known for its range of plants and tall herbs, and the birds that these species attract.
An oak and ash woodland is developing on the higher ground, containing hawthorn, blackthorn and elder, as well as young elm, with broad-buckler and male-ferns in the more shady places on the woodland floor.
The Yeading Brook flows from north to south through the reserve, alongside the Hillingdon Trail public footpath.
Species you can see at Ickenham Marsh
Birds: Blackcap, chiffchaff, kingfisher, dunnock, whitethroat
Invertebrates: Long-winged conehead, Roesel’s bush-cricket
Plants: Water chickweed, bird's-foot-trefoil, lady's smock, persicaria, soft rush-grass, tufted hair-grass, skullcap
History of Ickenham Marsh
Ickenham Marsh was one of the commons of Ickenham, historically part of Middlesex, where villagers were entitled to graze animals. Today the reserve is within a broad mosaic of fields and hedgerows that lie between the A40 to the south, Northolt Aerodrome, and Ruislip to the north. It has been managed by London Wildlife Trust since 1987, and until 2014 supported one of the few rookeries remaining in London.
Management of Ickenham Marsh
Conservation grazing has recently been reintroduced as a sustainable means of traditional land management. A volunteering team help with general site management including invasive species control along the Brook, while the Ickenham Marshes Partnership work to improve the surrounding countryside.
Facilities at Ickenham Marsh
There are no public facilities at the reserve.
How to get to Ickenham Marsh
Enter the site either from the north at Austin’s Lane, or the south from the tunnel running underneath the A40 dual carriageway. The Austin’s Lane entrance is a five-minute walk from Ickenham Station (Piccadilly and Metropolitan lines). The U10 bus service stops nearby on Glebe Avenue, while the U1 and U10 buses stop on High Road Ickenham, a 10-minute walk away. The U2 bus service stops on Granville Road, from where the footpath leads under the A40. The site can also be accessed from the Hillingdon Trail.
Opening times for Ickenham Marsh
Open at all times, including a public right of way.
Accessibility at Ickenham Marsh
The main route through the site, Hillingdon Trail, is a rough gravel path that can get muddy and is undulating in places, but is usually suitable for wheelchair users and has been awarded a Seal of Approval by the London Walking Forum for its high standards. Street parking is available in Austin’s Lane.
Status of Ickenham Marsh
Part of a Site of Borough Importance for Nature Conservation, Metropolitan Green Belt
Get involved at Ickenham Marsh
- Volunteer with Ickenham Marsh's team
- Record species you've spotted at Ickenham Marsh
- Take part in Ickenham Marsh's events