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
OS Map Reference
TL 389 103
Know before you go
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
Facilities
When to visit
Opening times
Open 10am - 5pm, daily except Christmas and Boxing DayBest time to visit
April to JulyAbout 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. We use Konik ponies to keep our grassland at Rye Meads in good condition for wildflowers and a whole host of other wildlife.
Seasonal Highlights
Spring: Grasshopper warbler, cuckoo
flower, lapwing, reed warbler.
Summer: Dragonfly, meadow rue, meadowsweet..
Autumn/ winter: Golden plover, green sandpiper, otter, peregrine falcon, snipe, teal..
Environmental designation
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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