About Meadowfield

Meadowfield Nature Reserve and Centre for Environmental Education is situated on the rural fringe of Hockley in South East Essex.

We provide an opportunity to learn about the natural world in a safe and structured way under the guidance of enthusiastic and knowledgeable experts. Our varied wildlife habitats and formal gardens enable us to offer practical, experienced based educational visits linked to the National Curriculum for Key Stages 1 & 2.

Meadowfield is a non-profit making enterprise, offering the countryside on your doorstep. It is a place of surprises where nature opens eyes to the wonder which is part of every day existence and yet often so far away from our experience.

The wildlife habitats at Meadowfield harbour a great wealth of plants and animals. Well over 100 species of flowering plants grow here, alongside nearly 500 kinds of insects and other invertebrates. Over the years we have recorded 60 species of bird and 14 different mammals, all making use of this hidden gem of the local countryside.

Many native trees have been planted that are already developing into rich wildlife habitat for the huge array of invertebrates associated with broadleaved woodland. The mature hedgerows and their old trees offer a hint of what’s to come.

The ponds already have the look of features that have been here for many years, the ponds teem with aquatic life, such as the dragonfly nymphs, pond snails, water bugs and beetles that fill the dipping nets.

A flower rich meadow supports a rich variety of life, so abundant yet for most of the time so hidden. Numerous species of butterflies, bees, bush-crickets and so much more ensure that the spring and summertime buzz with life.

Join us for Meadowfield's
annual Open Day
on 24th July 2012

The garden areas at Meadowfield include several outdoor rooms enclosed by high hedges. There is a pond, a gravel garden and a hazel arch tunnel leading back to the wilder parts of the reserve.

There is a large greenhouse which houses a collection of interesting, often exotic looking, plants from around the world. This space is a great place for teaching and is used for seed sowing and plant growing by school groups. It is also a great resource for creative art work and plant observation.

Lastly there is a dedicated 'Childrens Garden' where seedlings grown by school children are planted by them in the spring. The garden offers a chance for them to see vegetables growing and plants flowering and maturing over later summer visits.