Roding Valley Meadows Nature Reserve

Roding Valley
Roding Valley in the snow

Photo - Andrew Martin 

Visit the largest remaining species-rich water meadow in Essex with its famous display of wildflowers and wonderful mosaic of habitats

Location

Grange Farm Centre, Grange Farm Lane
Chigwell
Essex
IG7 6DP

OS Map Reference

TQ429942

A static map of Roding Valley Meadows Nature Reserve

Know before you go

Size
67 hectares
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Parking information

There are two main car parks, one next to the reserve office at the Grange Farm Pavilion off the High Road, Chigwell and one next to the David Lloyd Centre off Roding Lane (IG7 6BQ).

Grazing animals

Cows grazing from April-June and from September-November

Please keep dogs under close control while on the reserve and close gates behind you.

Walking trails

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

Access

Mix of un-surfaced and surfaced paths, some of which are suitable for wheelchairs throughout the reserve. There is access from underground stations

Dogs

Under effective control

Under effective control

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Facilities

Toilets
Picnic area
Accessible toilet
Baby changing facilities
Outdoor play area

When to visit

Opening times

Accessible at all times

Best time to visit

Spring, summer and autumn

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.

Contact us

Environmental designation

Local Wildlife Site (LWS)
Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
Roding Valley

Did you know?

Roding Valley meadows were declared a local nature reserve in 1986. Before this, from 1938 to 1964, part of this land was occupied by RAF Chigwell - you can still see some of the features of the former site! 
These include the balloon rotundas, from which barrage balloons were launched to protect North London against air raids in World War II, and concrete tracks, which now provide firm walking even in winter

Roding Valley Cow

Photo - Andrew Martin

History

The meadows were shaped under an ancient system of management, which included grazing and hay cutting. You can walk along the impressive green lane running through the reserve that forms part of the ancient drover’s route from Epping Forest to Romford Market - the reserve would have been a stop off point where animals could feed in the meadows and drink from the river!
Our current management attempts to mimic this historic management by grazing using traditional breeds of cattle and continuing with a summer hay cut