Harrow Weald Common, Protected woodland area in Harrow Weald, United Kingdom.
Harrow Weald Common is a protected nature conservation site covering about 18 hectares of mixed woodland, open heath, and grassland. The combination of these different habitats supports a wide range of plant and animal species.
The site came under protection in 1899 when the Metropolitan Commons Act established a management board for the area. This action removed most of the usage rights that local communities had previously held.
The name Weald comes from Old English meaning forest, reflecting the wooded upland character of this former forest region. Visitors can see today how open heath areas shape the landscape alongside the trees.
Access to the site is free and available year-round, though path conditions vary with the seasons. Well-used trails are easy to follow, with several entry points for exploring the different areas.
The geological layers beneath the surface reveal one of London's most complete exposures of Ice Age gravel beds. This makes it a valuable spot for studying ancient Earth history directly on site.
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