Whet Mead
25ac/10ha LNR
Grid ref: TL 829 137
Updated 31/12/2023.
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This restored rubbish tip near Witham is now a Local Nature Reserve managed by Braintree Council. Much of it is rough meadow with a wide range of flowering plants, bordered by some scrub and young woodland and containing three linked lagoons. It attracts a good range of the commoner butterflies and dragonflies, and seed-eating birds such as skylark and goldfinch.
It is bordered on two sides by the Rivers Blackwater and Brain, which have water figwort and flowering rush growing on their banks and support water voles. Grey heron and kingfisher can often be seen feeding along the river.
Visiting
Access is via Blackwater Lane which leaves Maldon Road (B1018) eastwards just north of Saul's Bridge over the River Brain and follows the river through a tunnel under the Witham bypass.
Regular Witham–Maldon buses run along Maldon Road.
Accessible at all times.
Take care when walking as tipped material may project out of the ground. Young children should be accompanied as the site is remote and river and lagoon banks are very steep.
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