10. Restoring the Majesty of the Meads
Themes: Ecology and biodiversity; Public engagement
Objectives:
- Improve bankside and in-channel habitat
- Improve public engagement with the river
- Improve public access to the river (virtual and physical)
Project description
A habitat restoration and community engagement project to restore the natural value and wildlife of King's Meads Nature Reserve.
This project began in 2020 and focused around delivering a programme of habitat and access improvement works, alongside community engagement and education activities, to develop the wildlife offering of Kings Meads Nature Reserve.
This is one of the largest key wetland complexes found in Hertfordshire and comprises a number of wetland habitat including open water, seasonal ponds, ditches, river and streams as well as rare chalk grassland.
The project was led by Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust, in partnership with Thames Water and funded by Heritage Lottery.
Between 2020 and 2023, habitat work included over 5,000m of fencing to enable introduction of conservation grazing to the site, along with ditch and chalk bank restoration for key protected species and visitor access improvements to create a number of nature trails. These have helped to establish the site as a focus for enjoyment, learning and practical action for wildlife.
Grid reference: TL349136
Project lead: Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust
Project partners: Thames Water, GlaxoSmithKline, Environment Agency, East Herts District Council
Funding source: Thames Water Community Investment Fund
Project start: 2016
Contact for more information: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
