Restoring the Majesty of the Meads

Aerial photo of King's Meads Nature Reserve

King's Meads at Sunset © Steve Kenny | Birds Eye Studios

Restoring the Majesty of the Meads

This project aimed to establish King's Meads Nature Reserve as a haven for wildlife as well as the local community. 

Located between Hertford and Ware, the nature reserve is one of the largest floodplain grasslands in Hertfordshire and home to a large variety of wildlife, including hundreds of wildflower, more than 100 bird and 19 dragonfly species. It is a vital link in the chain of interconnected wetlands of the Lee Valley and one of the best sites in the county to see water voles and the rare water violet.

The four-year project, King’s Meads: Restoring the Majesty of the Meads, aimed to improve the site for wildlife and people, increase local engagement, undertake effective activities and raise its profile more widely through: ​

  • A comprehensive programme of habitat management ​

  • A suite of access improvement works ​

  • A programme of volunteering and community engagement activities. ​

The project engaged a diverse range of people and communities across the local area, spanning people of various ages, abilities, socio-economic backgrounds as well as Trust volunteer work parties. We were able to work with local company European Flavours and Fragrances, numerous local community groups via the East Herts Healthy Hub​, Hertford Town Council​ as well as students from a variety of courses attending Hertford Regional College (Ware) who were lucky enough to have the reserve on their doorstep.
Lea Ellis, Engagement Manager
Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust

Three dedicated Project Officers worked over the four year period, together with local volunteers to restore the various habitats, open up access to the public and engage the community with its local natural heritage, through events and volunteering opportunities.  Project Officer Dave Willis began the work and forged early links with the college. In 2022, Lea Ellis took over as a Wilder Communities Officer and was then succeeded by Chloé Harmsworth in 2024. Staff were supported by members of the Reserves Team, in particular Kathryn Dunnett, whose knowledge and expertise on the flora and fauna was gratefully received.

Estimated to take around three years to complete the project was finally completed at the end of 2024 due to a delay because of Covid-19 restrictions.

Aerial photo of King's Meads Nature Reserve

King's Meads at Sunset © Steve Kenny | Birds Eye Studios

King's Meads Nature Reserve

One of the largest surviving floodplain grasslands in Hertfordshire, this King's Meads Nature Reserve is valued by the local community for its natural heritage and wildlife. It is home to hundreds of species of wildflower and more than 100 bird species.

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