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Description
Roding Valley Meadows is a reserve managed by Essex Wildlife Trust. It comprises of river water meadows that frequently flood in Winter when the River Roding overspills it's banks. During this time of flooding there can be an increase in Gull (Laridae) species. There are two footbridges over the river, so you can gain access to the recreation ground and large lake. There are over 10 miles of ancient hedgerows surrounding numerous meadows. Meadow Pipit, Common Redstart, Whinchat, European Stonechat, Northern Wheatear and Spotted Flycatcher are frequently seen on passage, especially in Autumn. The Recreation Lake most years has Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, Tufted Duck, colder weather increases the chance of Eurasian Wigeon and Goosander. The river has Common Kingfisher and Grey Wagtail. Both Reed Warbler and Reed Bunting can usually be found towards the North East of the reserve and later in the year both Green Sandpiper and Common Sandpiper are regular visitors. Once a year there is a haycut of the meadows, BE AWARE livestock may be present on site, please make sure you close all gates after passing through.
Some more unusual birds that have been seen on the reserve since 2007 are Brent Goose, Grasshopper Warbler, Common Quail, Red-crested Pochard, Red-necked Grebe, Rough-legged Buzzard, Water Rail, Eurasian Woodcock and Yellow-legged Gull.
Details
Access
Even though the M11 Motorway runs directly beside the reserve, there are a lot of roadworks and construction ongoing in the immediate area. There are two car parks (Free), one at the David Lloyd Tennis Centre and one at Grange Farm. For directions press P on map.
Terrain and Habitat
Scattered trees and bushes , Grassland , Valley , Lake , City/village , Agriculture , Reedbeds , River , WetlandConditions
Flat , High water possible , Wet , Slippery , DryCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
YesGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
Winter , Spring , AutumnRoute
Paved road , Wide path , Unpaved road , Narrow trailDifficulty walking trail
EasyAccessible by
Foot , Bicycle , CarBirdwatching hide / platform
NoExtra info
The walk on the map (about 4,5 mile) covers all main habitats, you can of course take many shortcuts due to time constraints.