About the reserve

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.

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.