About

Roding Valley Meadows Nature Reserve

Open all year

The largest remaining species-rich water meadow in Essex, Roding Valley Meadows is a mosaic of herb-rich meadows, hedgerows, marsh, ponds, scrub and woodland, and is famous for its array of wild flowers. In spring, blooming Devil’s-bit Scabious, Knapweed and Clover transforms the grasslands blue, purple, red and white. It is part of the 160 acre Roding Valley Nature Reserve which comprises the largest surviving area of traditionally managed river-valley habitat in Essex and follows the River Roding.

Along the river and throughout the meadows Butterflies, Dragonflies and a wide array of invertebrates can be found soaring over the river and climbing through the grass. Yellow Loosetrife and Water Plantain coat the gentle banks of the river which in Winter can flood and spill out over into the meadow, creating spectacular views out over the reserve.

Many Butterflies, Dragonflies and other invertebrates flourish in the fast-declining habitats that are found on the reserve. In spring and summer, listen out for the calls of Song Thrush, Blackcap and Whitethroat from the hedgerows that interlace the reserve. In late summer flocks of Tits and Finches pass through the reserve, feeding on Thistle and Teasel seed heads, while Kestrels hunt over the grasslands and Kingfishers keeping a close eye over the water.

These meadows were originally created by drovers taking their cattle to market, now recreated by grazing cattle from spring to autumn. For this reason visitors are asked to close gates after them and keep dogs under control.

Access

There is a mix of footpaths and wheelchair friendly paths through and around the reserve, which you can access from the Roding Valley Recreation Ground via number of entrances on the Loughton side of the river. There is also access from the Chigwell side via a footbridge over the M11 at the end of Grange Farm Lane.

Facilities

There are toilets (with baby changing facilities) , and a picnic area with places for children to play. Grange Farm Centre has further facilities including sports pitches and a function room.