Kingsthorpe Meadow
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A picturesque series of meadows close to the heart of Northampton. |
This Local Nature Reserve lies between the Kingsthorpe and Kingsheath areas of Northampton on the Brampton arm of the River Nene, and is an important part of the green corridor network running through the town. Many species of dragonfly and damselflies, including the white legged damselfly, can be seen by the river and ponds. A variety of moths and butterflies can be found in the meadow.
Sneezewort has been recorded on the riverbank and the meadows contain many species such as meadow saxifrage, great burnet and lesser stitchwort.
The river meanders through the reserve slowly in the summer in contrast to the winter months when it rushes through the reserve, regularly overflowing its banks and flooding over the meadows. Kingfishers can often be seen darting along the river feeding on the many small fish which can be seen in the shallow waters. There are also a number of ponds and wet areas on the site which attract waders such as snipe in the winter months. Areas of scrub and hedge provide cover for foxes and a variety of birds including cockoos.
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Plants: Meadow saxifrage, pignut, cuckooflower, marsh-marigold Insects: Butterflies Birds: Kingfisher, green woodpecker, kestrel |
Plants: Great burnet, tubular and river water-dropwort, meadowsweet, yellow iris, skullcap, marsh ragwort Insects: Dragonflies, damselflies, butterflies |
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