Barnes Meadow facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Barnes Meadow |
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The River Nene in Barnes Meadow
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| Type | Local Nature Reserve |
| Location | Northampton |
| OS grid | SP 768 597 |
| Area | 29.4 hectares |
| Managed by | Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire |
Barnes Meadow is a special natural area in Northampton, England. It's a Local Nature Reserve, which means it's a protected place for wildlife and nature. This beautiful meadow covers about 29.4 hectares, which is like 70 football fields! A big part of it, about 20 hectares, is looked after by the Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire. They work hard to keep it a safe home for many plants and animals.
What Makes Barnes Meadow Special?
Barnes Meadow is a mix of different natural habitats. It has a lovely stretch of the River Nene flowing through it. There are also wide, open meadows and an old, unused part of the river. This variety of places makes it perfect for many different creatures to live and thrive.
Amazing Wildlife to Spot
Barnes Meadow is a busy place for wildlife. If you visit, you might see some incredible animals:
- Dragonflies: Look out for many types of dragonflies, including the beautiful brown hawker. They zip and zoom over the water.
- Grass Snakes: The meadow is home to a large number of grass snakes. Don't worry, they are shy and harmless!
- Birds: Many different birds love Barnes Meadow. You might spot tall grey herons standing still in the water, waiting for fish. Quick and colourful kingfishers dart by. And elegant great crested grebes can be seen diving for food.
How to Visit Barnes Meadow
It's easy to explore this lovely nature reserve. You can get into Barnes Meadow from the Nene Way footpath. This walking path goes right through the site, making it simple for you to enjoy the scenery and spot the wildlife. It's a great place for a walk and to connect with nature.
