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 is now closed. It is expected to re-open at a later date under the management of Thames Water.
Read more here.Mon 02 November 2026 08:37 Days out
Rye Meads
HoddesdonClosedSee 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
Parking
Parking
Accessible Toilets
Accessible Toilets
Baby Changing
Baby Changing
Pushchair Accessible
Pushchair Accessible
Wheelchair Accessible
Wheelchair Accessible
Toilets
Toilets
Barbecue
Barbecue
Dogs
Dogs
Assistance Dogs
Assistance Dogs
Cycling
Cycling
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 (11 October - 18 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
- Lots of sightings of Grey Wagtails at the Draper hide.
- Lots of Snipe at the Draper hide and Gadwall hide with as many as 10 seen over the week.
- Water Rail are showing well at the Gadwall hide.
- A Water Vole was seen at the carved otter bench on 11 October.
- The Kingfishers are still very active at the Draper hide and Kingfisher hub.
- A Kestrel was flying over the Lee Marsh on 11 October.
- 3 Meadow Pipit were seen at the Draper hide on 12 October.
- The Green Sandpiper are still showing well at the Draper hide.
- Lapwing numbers are fluctuating but staying around 25 at the Gadwall hide.
- A Great White Egret was seen at the Draper hide on 14 October.
- A pair of Stonechat were seen at the Lapwing hide on 15 October.
- A Fox was seen at the Draper hide on 16 October.
Contact Rye Meads
Rye Meads, Rye Road, Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire, SG12 8JS