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. Livadska trepteljka, Obična crvenrepka, Obična travarka, Crnoglava travarka, Obična beloguza and Siva muharica are frequently seen on passage, especially in Autumn. The Recreation Lake most years has Mali gnjurac, Ćubasti gnjurac, Plovka kašikara, Čegrtuša, Ćubasta patka, colder weather increases the chance of Zviždara and Veliki ronac. The river has Vodomar and Potočna pliska. Both Trstenjak crvrkutić and Barska strnadica can usually be found towards the North East of the reserve and later in the year both Sprudnik pijukavac and Polojka 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 Grivasta guska, Cvrčić tršćar, Prepelica, Prevez, Riđovrati gnjurac, Gaćasti mišar, Barski petlovan, Šumska šljuka and Morski galeb.
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.

