b

RSPB Rye Meads

Hertfordshire  >  United Kingdom

RSPB Rye Meads is a wetland reserve beside the River Lee and part of the Lee Valley complex.

Added* by Baz Willmott
Most recent update 7 January 2021

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 Common Kingfisher in South East UK. Common Tern nest on specially-created rafts during the summer, while Common Snipe, Green Sandpiper, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall and Tufted Duck 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 , Wetland

Conditions

Flat , Open landscape , Wet

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

Yes

Good birding season

All year round

Best time to visit

Spring

Route

Narrow trail , Wide path

Difficulty walking trail

Average walk

Accessible by

Foot , Bicycle , Car

Birdwatching hide / platform

Yes

Extra 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.

Links

View other birding spots in the area that are published on Birdingplaces

Map

Top 5 birds

Other birds you can see here

Show more birds Show less birds
Show more images Show less images

Comments & Tips

Give feedback
Rate this area