Nature Reserve
Riverside Meadows
Open riverside space shaped by water and wide skies
Running alongside the River Thames in Wallingford, Riverside Meadows is a place defined by open space and moving water. The river draws wildlife through the landscape, while wide views and shifting light make it easy to slow down and take it in.
Life along the river
The Thames brings constant movement, supporting birds, insects and aquatic life.
Wildflower meadows
In summer, the fields fill with colour, from oxeye daisies to knapweed and bird’s-foot trefoil.
Wildlife encounters
Kingfishers nest along the riverbank, and bats appear at dusk.
Space to breathe
Wide, open ground creates a sense of calm and room to wander.
Explore the meadows
Paths follow the river and cross open grassland.
You’ll find:
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Expansive meadow views
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Riverside edges alive with movement
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Changing light across the landscape
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Space to walk at your own pace
Things to do
- Walk alongside the Thames
- Visit in summer for wildflowers
- Watch for birdlife along the river
- Stay into the evening for bats
- Enjoy wild swimming in the River Thames at one of Wallingford’s most popular swimming spots
A place shaped by people
and nature
This landscape has supported human activity for thousands of years. Evidence of settlement and movement remains embedded in the ground beneath your feet.
Today, these layers sit alongside a landscape shaped by water and ongoing natural processes.
Wildlife & Conservation
These meadows are part of a wider effort to restore rare floodplain grassland.
Management includes:
Annual hay cutting to encourage wildflowers.
Seasonal grazing.
Creating conditions for pollinators and plants.
Regularly monitored water.
A converted World War II pillbox now provides roosting space for bats, adding another layer to the site’s story.
Swimming at Riverside Meadows
Riverside Meadows is one of Wallingford’s most popular wild swimming locations. The site benefits from designated bathing water status, which means water quality is regularly monitored and published during the bathing season. Before swimming, we recommend checking the latest water quality information and river conditions.
Take care when you visit
This is both a working landscape and a wildlife habitat.
Please:
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Keep dogs on leads, especially near cattle
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Take litter home
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Please do not use bbqs or have fires
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Respect grazing areas
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Be aware of changing ground conditions
Plan your visit
Location: The Street, Crowmarsh Gifford, Wallingford, OX10 8EA
Getting here: Car park available near bridge
Good to know: Always open · No toilets · Grazing animals may be present
How this place is cared for
Riverside Meadows is managed by Earth Trust on behalf of South Oxfordshire District Council, with support from volunteers.
This ongoing work helps restore a rare landscape while keeping it open for people to enjoy.
