Rye Meads

Rye Meads Nature Reserve

Rye Meads Nature Reserve 

Rye Meads

A large ancient flood meadow that attracts vast numbers of a wide variety of birds, as well as numerous other animals and plant life.

Location

Rye Road
Hoddesdon
Hertfordshire
SG12 8JS

OS Map Reference

TL 389 103
A static map of Rye Meads

Know before you go

Size
32 hectares
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Parking information

Visitors can use the RSPB car park (9am-5pm) for a small fee.

Walking trails

There are a number of trails that cover both HMWT Rye Meads and RSPB Rye Meads.
 

Access

All paths are surfaced.

Dogs

No dogs permitted
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Facilities

Visitor centre
Toilets
Accessible toilet
Baby changing facilities

When to visit

Opening times

Open 9am - 5pm (or dusk if earlier) daily except Christmas and Boxing Day

Best time to visit

April to July

Environmental designation

Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
Special Protection Areas (SPA)

About the reserve

The seasonal flooding of the meadow combined with the rich soils has resulted in a mosaic of habitats, consisting of reedbeds, marshy grasslands and fen vegetation. A fantastic reserve for birdwatching, Rye Meads also has many invertebrates, as well as frogs, toads, newts and grass snakes, which find shelter here. 

Seasonal Highlights
Spring: 
Grasshopper warbler, cuckoo
flower, lapwing, reed warbler
Summer: Dragonfly, meadow rue, meadowsweet
Autumn/ winter: Green sandpiper, otter, peregrine falcon, snipe, teal

Directions

Site entrance: Entrance through the
RSPB turnstile, from the Lee Valley
Innings and from Rye Road.

Access by road: From A10 exit at Hoddesdon (A1170) follow the brown tourist signs or take the first left at the roundabout onto Amwell Street, continue onto Ware Road. At mini roundabout turn right onto
Middlefield Road and continue onto Rye Road. Pass Rye House station and go over bridge. Follow signs to Rye Meads Visitor Centre and car park..

Access by public transport
Bus:
410 – Rye Road Stop (0.5 miles).
Rail: Rye House station is (0.4 miles).

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Support our nature reserves

It costs on average £30 per month to care for each acre of our nature reserves.
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