Rushy Mead Nature Reserve

Once a pumping station for a sewage works, this nature reserve is now a haven for reedbed species and provides a home to the UK's most endangered mammal, the Water Vole

Location

Bishops Stortford

CM22 7QJ

OS Map Reference

TL497197

Know before you go

Size

5 hectares

Parking information

Very limited parking on the side of the road

Walking trails

Walks around and links up with the Stort navigation path

Access

Can be wet and boggy at times

Dogs

Dogs permitted

Under effective control

When to visit

Opening times

Accessible at all times

Best time to visit

April to July

About the reserve

Listen to beautiful Sedge and Reed warblers sheltering in the dense reedbeds during the summer, whilst secretive Snipe and Water Rail are found silently walk along the edges over winter. Lined with bright Marsh Marigold flowers, the ditches have allowed Water Voles to establish in good numbers, and a number of Dragonflies and water beetles are seen here in the summer months.

The northern end of the reserve has developed into a mature woodland that is a particularly good area for birds, including sightings of the rare Willow Tit. There are also areas of chalky grassland that support a variety of wildflowers including Bee Orchids and Wild Carrot.