A wildlife oasis between the River Crane and Heathrow's perimeter fence is set to be opened up to the public.

The London Wildlife Trust (LWT) has announced plans to turn Crane Meadows, in Cranford, into a new free, public nature reserve.

The mix of grasslands, woods, meadow and wetlands is already home to a diverse range of wild animals and plants.

The LWT intends to restore the land and open it up to the public. But before drawing up detailed plans, it has asked those living nearby how they want to see the green space transformed and where access should be provided.

LWT conservation officer Tom White said: "LWT plans for Crane Meadows to become a public nature reserve where we can offer the local and wider community volunteering opportunities, organised activities, outdoor education sessions for children and adults and an exciting new open space to enjoy.

"Before we make full plans for the Meadows' future use and decide where it will be accessible from, we want local people to have their say in the future of this special green space."

It is believed the site, to the west of Waye Avenue, was once part of the market gardens which dominated the neighbourhood before Heathrow's arrival on the scene. Old fruit trees are still present today and can be seen among dense carpets of daffodils during spring time. Part of the land was occupied by farming family the Huckerbys, who used it to graze livestock.

The green space was previously owned by the British Airports Authority (now Heathrow Airport) and Hillingdon and Hounslow councils. It passed into the hands of LWT in 2010 after boundary changes.

Work to improve the site and encourage wildlife has already started but the charity wants people to help shape its long-term future by taking part in a public consultation, which will run until the end of March.

* For more about plans for the new nature reserve, and to have your say, visit

http://www.wildlondon.org.uk/news/2014/01/27/crane-meadows-new-green-space-west-london