Environment

The Willow Tree Centre consists of 15 acres of well maintained grounds adjacent to Mad Bess Woods which are part of Ruislip Woods. Access to these woods can be made through a lockable gate from the grounds. Details of the footpaths in Mad Bess Woods as well as the surrounding area are on this map (opens in new window).

Willow Tree Centre is on “Green Belt” land and 87 semi mature trees were planted with a coppice of Crack Willow in 2000. 1,000 small trees were planted with the support from The Woodland Trust in 2009.

All aspects of the centre were designed and constructed to be environmentally friendly. The buildings are timber-frame construction, clad with half round redwood log. This form of construction provides a natural appearance whilst still offering the permanence of other building methods.

In agreement with the Environment Agency a biological sewage treatment system was constructed to deal with domestic sewage and waste water. The treated effluent from the plant discharges underground to a reed bed.

A reed bed is an engineered but natural method of treating pollutants using a planted bed containing the common reed (Phragmites australis). Whilst effectively removing pollutants the Reed Bed also provides a valuable habitat for wildlife, the lush reeds attract insects which in turn support birds and other animals.

The ‘Tranquil Garden’ and Arbour attracts many butterflies and allows those who wish to sit and have some quiet time for reflection.

Various bird, bat and insect boxes have been erected around the site and we have resource packs available with environmental challenges.