Barnes Meadow
 |
On the edge of Northampton – this rare area of wet grassland is a haven for migrant birds |
These three meadows on either side of the Nene include a wide range of grassland and wetland habitats including the redundant arm of the Nene, the river itself, Hardingstone Dyke and a variety of ditches and shallow scrapes which have recently been crreated to broaden the range of habitats on the site. The scrapes make particularly good feeding grounds for many visiting bird species including waders such as snipe. The site is home to many herons and kingfishers; great crested grebes and terns can be seen feeding on the river.
The sheltered water and margins are also home to a surprising range of dragonflies and damselflies, including the distinctive brown hawker.
Amphibians breed in the watercourses and provide food for the large population of grass snakes. Many fish use the warm shallow waters to spawn and otter droppings are often found - suggesting they visit the site fairly regularly. Flowering plants include clovers, trefoils, thistles and teasles which attract numerous bees and other nectar feeders.
Birds:: Migrant waders, ducks |
Amphibians: Common frog, toad Reptiles: Grass snake Birds: Kingfisher, mute swan, redshank, little ringed plover |
Insects: Brown hawker, common blue damselfly Amphibians: Common frog, toad Reptiles: Grass snake Birds:: Moorhen, coot, kingfisher, mute swan |
Birds:: Migrant waders, ducks |