After the last ice age, a vast forest known as the wildwood covered most of England. Today, a 305-hectare remnant of that forest survives in greater London. Known as Ruislip Woods National Nature Reserve, the forest is one of the country’s largest ancient woods. Although the elk and brown bear that once roamed the wildwood have disappeared, wildlife abounds and bluebells carpet the forest floor in spring. If you see workers felling a hornbeam, don’t be alarmed. They’re just coppicing, an ancient technique that allows the trees to live for 500 years. When you’re ready for sun, sand and sustenance, head to Ruislip Lido where you’ll find a beach, playgrounds, restaurants - but no swimming.
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