The RSPB: Rye Meads

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Kingfisher hovering over stream

Common tern hovering above water for fish

Spring at Rye Meads nature reserve

Children playing in grass, RSPB Rye Meads nature reserve

Speckled wood butterfly on nettle leaf

Common darter dragonfly

Snipe camouflaged at edge of reeds

Fieldfares eating hawthorn berries

Yellow autumn birch leaves

Frosty leaves

Male tufted duck on lake

Backlit reeds at Lee Valley

Close encounters with wetland wildlife

Season

Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Weather today

20°C

Where is it?

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Rye Meads

Wildlife awards

Rye Meads is one of the best places for wildlife in the UK.

Top things to do in Spring

Look out for the beautiful kingfishers as they try to raise a family
Can you spot the first common terns arriving at Rye Meads?
Listen for birds, especially warblers, singing all around the reserve

Top things to do in Summer

Look in the dappled light for speckled wood butterflies
Try to spot common darter dragonflies patrolling up and down their territories
While enjoying a stroll, listen out for the explosive call of Cetti's warblers

Top things to do in Autumn

Time to welcome back the autumn migrants - will you be the first to see a redwing or fieldfare?
Watch out for well-camouflaged snipe feeding in the cut reeds
As the evenings draw in, it's possible to see flocks of starlings and buntings swirling over the reedbeds before going to roost

Top things to do in Winter

Enjoy the beauty and peace of the reserve in winter, but remember to bring a flask!
Ducks a-dabbling, ducks a-diving - come and see a duck spectacular
Search the reed edges for elusive water rails

What's on?

29 June and 27 July
Wildlife Watches
Watching wildlife
7 July
What's at home at Rye Meads?
Guided walk
13 July to 11 August
Wildlife Watches
Watching wildlife

Your photos

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Latest forum posts

19 June 2013
On th reserve today 19/6/13
Last post by Adnams
0 replies
12 June 2013
Kingfishers fledged at last!
Last post by Simon Hurwitz
3 replies
11 June 2013
Dusk Walk - late night opening
Last post by JeffG
2 replies

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Latest blog posts

18 June 2013
Everything is nesting!
Posted by Joan Childs
14 June 2013
Wildlife Explorers Outdoor Adventure - there are still spaces!
Posted by Louise Moss
13 June 2013
Kingfisher activity today
Posted by Joan Childs

Downloads

Map of Rye Meads

1.32Mb, PDF

Date: 9 July 2012

WildSquare Bingo

2.8Mb, PDF

Date: 21 June 2010

Living classrooms

Get your class or group exploring the natural world in fun and innovative ways.

Extend your stay

Find other attractions nearby at Enjoy England
Find accommodation at Cottages4you

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