Weald Common Flood Meadows Local Nature Reserve

Size: 2.92 hectares

Grid Reference: TL 488 039 and TL 502 042

Owners: Epping Forest District Council

LNR Declaration: 23 December 2004

Access: Access to the nature reserve is on foot via gated access points from the public open space owned by North Weald Bassett Parish Council. There is open access to the meadow nearest the village, but the furthest meadow is restricted. Please contact Countrycare for access.  

The Weald Common flood meadows consists of two meadows created in 1996 as part of flood defence measures to protect the village. While their primary role and reason for creation was flood alleviation it was possible from the outset to maximise the site for biodiversity gain. They were declarded a Local Nature Reserve in 2004

A wet meadow has been created within the bowls of the meadows and these have established quickly. In spring, flowers like Cowslips dominate much of the meadows and frogs and newts can be seen breeding in the ponds and ditches. In early summer plants like Ragged Robin take over give a hint of pink to the fields. On warm days a grass snake or even a common lizard may be seen basking in a sunny spot. Over 3,000 trees have been planted creating over a kilometre of new hedgerows, which are starting to mature and offer good habitat for a range of wildlife.

From the outset Countrycare has managed the site in partnership with the Council’s Land Drainage section based in Environment and Street Scene. Contractors carry out much of the heavy engineering works and volunteers working with Countrycare have been responsible for the majority of the important habitat works that have been undertaken. Since 2002, this work has been helped by The Department of Environment Food and Rural Affairs under the Countryside Stewardship Scheme. This has enabled the planting of over 1350 trees creating 340m of boundary hedgerows and financial assistance with the hay making. In addition, it has also funded a programme of hedge laying, which by 2010 should see the entire hedge bordering the western meadow laid.