Cymbeline Meadows
157ac/63.5ha CWS
Grid ref: TL 986 258
Updated 31/12/2023.
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This area bordering the River Colne has been farmed for hundreds of years. Now, most of it is being farmed by a tenant farmer in a wildlife-friendly way, with limited use of pesticides and features such as 'conservation headlands' – strips along the edge of arable fields sown with wild flowers that serve as reservoirs of beneficial insects.
In the north-east corner south of the railway a new wood has been planted, known as Charter Wood. Smaller woods and copses have been planted elsewhere, including beside the Colne.
The river and its bankside meadows form a wildlife corridor running through urban Colchester and they are home to kingfishers and water voles. They flood regularly in winter, encouraging wild flowers.
Visiting
Can be reached via a public footpath from Cymbeline Way (A133) or via public footpaths leading in from the north and west. SatNav: CO3 3LE.
Within easy walking distance of Colchester North station.
Accessible at all times.
A parking area for disabled visitors can be reached via Baker's Lane (Spring Lane exit from the Lexden roundabout) and a surfaced pathway leads down to the river from there.
A farm trail has been laid out starting from Baker's Lane. Leaflets are available from the Council or phone 01206 853588.
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