Short Walks in Bedfordshire

Descriptions - Videos - Proper parking instructions

Rye Meads

Description and Walk

This well-maintained RSPB wetland reserve beside the River Lea is a big favourite with birdwatchers, walkers and photographers due to its trails and hides.

Common terns and other seabirds nest on specially made rafts during the summer, while snipe, green sandpipers, shovelers, gadwalls and tufted ducks move in during the winter.

There is an artificial sandbank and a hide where spotting Kingfishers is a good bet during the late spring, early summer. The sandbank has a tree nearby which makes for a natural perching point for Kingfishers; an ideal place to grab shots of the mating pairs. However, a decent lens is needed for a really good picture - probably 300-400 mm or more. The lens we took was too small – see video.

If you particularly want to see a kingfisher, just wait in the hide and before long one will turn up – about every 20 minutes when we were there. Once the bird is perched they tend to sit for a while giving good photo opportunities. At least, that’s what we found.

Short Video of RSPB Rye Meads

Note: The video is best viewed by clicking on the 'full screen' symbol that appears at the bottom-right of the video box once the video is playing. To exit full-screen hit your escape key or click on the symbol at the bottom-right again.

Parking

Parking address:  Rye Road, Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire, SG12 8JS.

You can park in the Visitor Centre car park for a small fee, and hence make a contribution to the upkeep of the site, or else you can park right outside on Rye Road for free.

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