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The Meads, also known as The King's Meads, is an 96 heactare grazed riverside flood meadow that stretches from Hertford to Ware.

The northern boundary of The Meads is marked by the course of the River Lee as it makes its way east to Ware, a cycle route running alongside. Gauge House, halfway between the two towns, marks the beginning of the New River, a man-made canal that provides drinking water for London.

As a nature reserve, The Meads provides a habitat for birds, insects and rare wild flowers. Gulls, ducks and waders take advantage of the flooded areas in Winter - gadwell, shoveler, wigeon, teal and snipe. Many species of dragonfly can also be found. During the summer months, bats such as pipistrelles and Natterer's feed on insects during the evening hours. Otters have also been recently seen.

The Meads is managed by the Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust of behalf of the various owners, including Thames Water, East Herts District Council and Glaxo Wellcome.

There are many access points on to The Meads, including this gate close to the end of Mead Lane.
The New River takes water from the River Lea and delivers it to the London water supply.
Fields north of the river are used for agriculture.
Mist along the River Lea looking west.
A bridge across the New River.
The A10 viaduct was built in the 1970s and is 20m high and 716m long.
The Meads is one of Hertfordshire's largest nature reserves.
Looking north towards Ware Park woods.
A pair of cows drink water.
Gauge House was built in 1856 to regulate the amount of water drawn from the river.
The Meads is made up of a number of wetland habitats including open water, seasonal ponds, ditches, river and streams as well as rare chalk grassland.
The A10 viaduct passes over the New River.
Cattle grazing on The Meads.
Looking south-east toward Ware Road.

Published 25th September 2023

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