The Riddy
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An oasis of wild flowers, bird song and a wonderful view among a sea of arable fields |
These meadows are a remnant of the flood meadows that once would have bordered much of the River Ivel. The name comes from the small stream that trickles its way through the eastern end of the reserve.
The meadows support a range of grasses and plants including the lilac-coloured blooms of cuckooflower or lady's smock. The stream and ditches bordering the site are home to aquatic plants such as celery-leaved buttercup, water plantain and the aptly named arrowhead with its distinctive arrow shaped leaves held above the water.
Many birds feed in the meadows including lapwing, fieldfare and redwing, while sparrowhawks patrol the mature hedgerows. Common terns and grey herons can be seen hunting fish along the river banks, where you may hear the 'plop' of a water vole seeking refuge in the water and amongst the emergent vegetation. The manicured 'front gardens' of this diminutive mammal are best spotted in the spring, highlighting their nest burrows with paths to the waters edge.
Birds: Redwing, fieldfare |
Plants: Cuckooflower Birds: Grey wagtail, kingfisher Mammals: Water vole |
Plants: Purple-loosestrife, celery-leaved buttercup |
Birds: Thrushes |