Kingsthorpe Meadow

Kingsthorpe Meadow

Kingsthorpe Meadow

The main bridge and ramped area replacement works are going well and look on schedule to be finished by the 22nd December, unfortunately due to site and weather conditions not being in our favour, the replacement small footbridge will not be installed before the Christmas break, with this being said, we have held back on removing the old bridge so as to not cause unnecessary inconvenience to the public during this time. These works (weather permitting) will now commence on the 8th January 2024.

A picturesque series of meadows close to the heart of Northampton

Location

Mill Lane
Kingsthorpe
Northampton
Northamptonshire

OS Map Reference

SP 746 627
A static map of Kingsthorpe Meadow

Know before you go

Size
15 hectares
z

Entry fee

No

Grazing animals

Yes

Walking trails

Paths generally level, main path is tarmac, minor paths can be muddy. Steps at entrance and on one bridge

Access

Unsuitable for wheelchairs

Dogs

On a lead

When to visit

Opening times

Open at all times

Best time to visit

April to June, July to September

About the reserve

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 cuckoos. 

Additional information

  • Scroll down to see the reserve boundary. Please note the boundary map is for indication purposes only and does not show the Wildlife Trusts definitive land boundary. 

FOR ANY MEDIA ENQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT OUR COMMUNICATIONS TEAM:   communicationsteam@wildlifebcn.org or 01954 713500 and ask for comms team.

Contact us

Contact number: 01604 405285

Environmental designation

Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)

Location map

Betony at Upwood Meadows June  - c. Robert Enderby

Betony at Upwood Meadows June  - c. Robert Enderby

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