| Discover King's Meads, the largest
remaining area of grazed riverside flood meadow in Hertfordshire.
King's Meads, between Hertford and Ware, was previously referred to as The Meads. The rivers and ditches which criss-cross the site traditionally flooded the flat land; because of falling water levels this now happens less often than in the past. This combination of ditches, floodwater and regular grazing has created a rich wetland habitat that is becoming very rare in Britain. In winter the flooded areas at the base of the chalk bank attract ducks, gulls and waders including good numbers of Teal, wigeon, shoveler, gadwall and snipe. King's Meads is also a key site for wintering stonechats and up to 4 pairs can be present. In the summer, 7 species of warbler breed in addition to good populations of reed bunting, meadow pipit and sky lark, which are all becoming scarce as breeding species elsewhere in the county. In the autumn, the site attracts migrant species such as garganey, ruff, wood sandpiper, whinchat, wheatear, yellow wagtail and spotted flycatcher. In recent years, a total of 119 species of bird have been recorded at the site. During a recent survey, a total of 265 species of wild flower were recorded, including uncommon Hertfordshire species such as reflexed salt-marsh grass, lesser sea spurrey, water violet, pepper saxifrage, adder's tongue fern and meadow saxifrage. The chalk bank also hosts a good selection of chalk heathland species such as autumn gentian, harebell, bulbous buttercup, salad burnet, common rockrose, small scabious and kidney vetch. Of the 19 species of dragonfly that breed in Hertfordshire, 18 are present at King's Mead including the scarce hairy dragonfly. As a result, King's Mead is the best dragonfly site, with public access, in the county. The site is also host to the largest population of short-winged conehead in the county and, as an inland site, is probably significant for this species at national level. The Wildlife Trust manage King's Meads on behalf of the landowners GlaxoSmithKline, Thames Water, East Herts District Council, the Environment Agency and private individuals. A full time warden for the site is funded by Thames Water. |
The management regime is designed
to encourage diversity of species. Recent management has included: |
| Clearing invading scrub from the chalk bank; |
| Pollarding willows; |
| Removing encroaching vegetation from a population of water violets; |
| Replacing fencing to improve grazing management; |
| Re-excavating some ditches to restore water levels; |
| Creating shallow scrape areas where waders can feed; |
| Installing sluices to help control water levels; |
| Planting ditch side trees, including the rare black poplar. |
| Surveying and monitoring key species |
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Click to see information about the wildlife found on the reserve A leaflet is available here More Information:For more information about the reserve or volunteering opportunities contact Andy Brown, The Meads Project Officer, on 01727 858901. |
| Visiting |
There are several entrances to King's Meads. The main entrance is
from the A119 Ware Road opposite Chadwell Springs Golf Club. It is also
easily accessed from car parks in Priory Street and Broadmeads (Ware)
or Rowleys Road or Mead Lane from Hertford. |
The reserve is 5 minutes walk from Ware Station or 10 minutes walk
from Hertford East Station. |
Accessible at all times. |
Winter is good for ducks, gulls, Snipe, and Stonechat. Summer is best for
dragonflies, and a wide selection of wild flowers can also be found, including
chalk heathland species on the chalk bank. Spring and Autumn attract many
migrant birds including waders, warblers, Whinchat, Wheatear and Garganey. |
Wellingtons are recommended in wet weather. |
The towpath, next to the River Lea and some paths are suitable for
people with mobility problems. |