Oundle (Snipe Meadow) Pocket Park      Print This Page Snipe Meadow Pocket Park, situated on the banks of the River Nene north of Oundle Wharf, is a very important site for protecting endangered Snipe and Redshank. Unfortunately snipe are no longer breeding at the site, but encouragingly they have been recorded roosting at the site. The meadow is now (2010) being managed through grazing to provide a mosaic of habitats to hopefully create nesting sites for Snipe. Visitors can enjoy the riverside setting and its wildlife, but are asked to keep dogs on short leads and respect the needs of the Snipe, particularly during breeding time (March - August). Snipe Meadow has County Wildlife Site Status and contains true mire. Access Point At the bottom of Occupation Road (Off New Road) or St Peter's Road. Snipe Meadow is situated near Oundle Rugby Club. Rights of Way Negotiations are in progress for a permissive path along the adjacent fields to provide riverside access. Suitability A boardwalk suitable for wheelchair access is being installed. History In 1565 a survey carried out for the Lord of the Manor of Oundle and Biggin showed that the land known then and now as North Meadow was used for haymaking and the grazing of animals. The meadow was almost certainly flooded from time to time during the winter. During the enclosure in 1811, many of the present day field boundary hedgerows would have been planted. The meadow was purchased by Coventry Anglers' Association during the 1980s and sold to Oundle Town Council in 1998. The Angler's Association still own the riverbank. Management Objectives To create the wet conditions which will enable the Snipe and other waders to breed, which will benefit otters, water voles, barn owls, amphibians and invertebrates, working in conjunction with the Northamptonshire County Council, Wildlife Trust and Oundle Town Council. To monitor change and keep records of all wildlife surveys. To provide access and information for visitors, including schools and anglers, to help them value the site's importance. To work with neighbouring landowners to conserve the traditional riverside meadow landscape. Special Wildlife Snipe, Redshank and other wading birds. Barn Owl, Sedge Warbler, Reed Warbler, Reed Bunting. The plants of particular biodiversity importance included the following; Common Meadow-Rue, Fen Bedstraw, Marsh Bedstraw, Marsh Horsetail, Marsh Thistle, Marsh Woundwort, Meadowsweet, Purple Loosestrife, Water Forget-me-not, Water Mint, Wild Angelica and Yellow Iris. Three snipe were recorded roosting within the site (2008). A wide range of dragonflies and damselflies. Contact Details For more information contact Rose Little 01604 237222 rlittle@northamptonshire.gov.uk back to normal view     Established : 1998 Size : 6.2 acres/2.5 hectares. Location : Oundle Map District/Borough : East Northamptonshire Grid Reference : Landranger Series No. 141 TL042893 Owned By : Oundle Town Council Managed By : Oundle Pocket Park Group Partners : Northamptonshire County Council, East Northamptonshire Council, Oundle Town Council, Countryside Agency, Wildlife Trust. Snipe