This series of caches was placed as an
activity for 3rd Ware
Scouts as part of their Navigator Badge
Kings Meads is 96 hectares of riverside flood meadow. The rivers
and ditches that criss-cross the site traditionally flooded every
year, but due to falling water levels this now happens less often.
This combination of ditches, floodwater and regular grazing has
created a rich wetland habitat that is becoming very rare in
Britain.
In winter the flooded areas at the base of the chalk bank
attract ducks, gulls and waders including good numbers of Teal,
wigeon, shoveler, gadwall and snipe. King's Meads is also a key
site for wintering stonechats. In summer, 7 species of warbler
breed in addition to good populations of reed bunting, meadow pipit
and sky lark. In autumn, the site attracts migrant species such as
garganey, ruff, wood sandpiper, whinchat, wheatear, yellow wagtail
and spotted flycatcher. In recent years, a total of 119 species of
bird have been recorded at the site.
18 of 19 species of dragonfly that breed in Hertfordshire are
present, including the scarce hairy dragonfly. King's Mead is the
best dragonfly site, with public access, in the county.
The site is also host to the largest population of short-winged
conehead.
Location: King's Meads has several entrances. The main entrance
is from the A119 Ware Road opposite Chadwell Springs Golf Club. It
is also easily accessed from car parks in Priory Street and
Broadmeads (Ware) or Rowleys Road or Mead Lane from Hertford.
The reserve is 5 minutes walk from Ware Station or 10 minutes
walk from Hertford East Station.