Description
Rye Meads is a 58.5 hectare biological Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in Rye House, Hertfordshire. It is also part of the Lea Valley RAMSAR site (a group of internationally important wetland sites) and a Special Protection Area. A good number of hides overlooking open stretches of water, possibly the best place to see Обыкновенный зимородок in South East UK. Речная крачка nest on specially-created rafts during the summer, while Бекас, Черныш, Широконоска, Серая утка and Хохлатая чернеть take over during the winter months.
Details
Access
Rye Meads is on Rye Road fairly close to the A10, Rye House railway station is also nearby, the reserve itself has a good size car park. The suggested route on the map is about 3 km.
Terrain and Habitat
Scattered trees and bushes , Grassland , River , Reedbeds , Lake , WetlandConditions
Flat , Open landscape , WetCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
YesGood birding season
All year roundBest time to visit
SpringRoute
Narrow trail , Wide pathDifficulty walking trail
Average walkAccessible by
Foot , Bicycle , CarBirdwatching hide / platform
YesExtra info
BEWARE if doing the complete circuit there is a one way gate (marked with STAR on map), for those not wishing to do this return back the same way.