Events at Rye Meads
Discover exciting events all year at Rye Meads. Join us for one of our guided walks including the Wednesday Wander!
Important notice
Rye Meads will close from Monday 2 November 2026 and is expected to re-open at a later date under the management of Thames Water.
Read more here.Tue 29 September 2026 13:41 Days out
Rye Meads
HoddesdonClosed | Opens tomorrowSee opening timesWelcome to Rye Meads, a wetland reserve that's home to Common Terns, Kingfishers, Water Voles, waterfowl and so much more. Visit for a watch, a ramble, a family-friendly day out or just to enjoy being in nature.
About
This delightful wetland reserve beside the River Lee is a firm favourite with walkers, birdwatchers, families, photographers and schools thanks to its many trails and hides.
Head out on our trails around swaying reedbeds, open water and shallow pools, known as scrapes. Artificial sandbanks are a good place to spot Kingfishers, while specially built rafts are where the Common Terns choose to nest in summer. Snipe, Green Sandpipers, Shovelers, Gadwalls and Tufted Ducks take over during the winter months.
At a glance
Closed and locked outside of opening hours.
3 Blue Badge spaces Blue Badge spaces 33 yards from the visitor centre. Parking and pedestrian access is all on one level. Tarmac surfacing.
Drop off in coach bay outside the visitor centre when not in use. No height restrictions. Bike racks.
Our toilets are open during opening hours, to the rear of the visitor centre. Surface lino and tiles in the toilets.
Baby changing facilities are located in the toilets, at the rear of the visitor centre.
Check access suitability for events and activities.
Check access suitability for events and activities. Staff are trained in disability awareness.
Mobility scooter - available for hire, free of charge, bookable in advance. Manual push wheelchair for hire, free of charge, bookable in advance.
Our toilets are open during opening hours, to the rear of the visitor centre. Surface lino and tiles in the toilets.
Barbecue
Barbecue
Sorry, dogs are not permitted on the nature reserve (except assistance dogs), due to the sensitive wildlife and habitats here.
Disturbing wildlife does more than simply causing it to move away; it uses up their energy, decreasing their chance of survival regardless of season. Thank you for protecting the special wildlife by not exercising your dog here.
Assistance dogs are welcome on all parts of the reserve.
Sorry, there is no cycling or scooters allowed anywhere on the reserve.
See what’s here
Plan your visit
This is a great location to spot Kingfishers
The vibrant azure and copper feathers of the Kingfisher make them one of the UK’s most colourful and instantly recognisable birds. But blink and you’ll miss them – they dart along rivers and streams at high speeds. RSPB nature reserves and our care-taking teams provide safe wetland havens for these special birds and their fishy prey.
Recent sightings at Rye Meads
Check out which species we've seen this week (27 September - 3 October) at Rye Meads.
Kingfisher sightings
The Kingfishers are regularly being seen at the Draper hide and have had 3 broods this year, successfully raising at least 7 chicks.
Brood 1 - 2 chicks (fledged 25 May).
Brood 2 - 3 chicks (fledged 16 July).
Brood 3 - 2 chicks (fledged 23 August).
Other sightings
- A Wigeon was reported at the Gadwall hide on 27 September.
- There’s been a couple of days this week where a Red Kite has landed on the islands at Draper.
- A Grass Snake was seen on 27 and 30 September swimming across at the Kingfisher hub.
- There have been a lot of sightings of Water Rail, with some very good sightings on 30 September from the Gadwall hide.
- Water Voles are still being seen at the beginning of the Seasonal trail in the ditch.
- A Common Sandpiper was at the Draper hide on 29 September.
- The Kingfishers have been very active all week with daily sightings at the Kingfisher hub, Draper hide and Gadwall hide.
- The Snipe are still showing at the Gadwall hide and the Draper hide.
- A Grey Wagtail was at the Gadwall hide on 1 October.
- A Great White Egret was at the Draper hide on 2 October.
- A Common Gull was seen at the Gadwall hide on 2 October.
- Starlings are still congregating on the Car park pylon but still in small numbers.
Contact Rye Meads
rye.meads@rspb.org.uk Rye Meads, Rye Road, Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire, SG12 8JS 01992 708383