Funges Meadow
Funges Meadow is managed by our Woodland Service for the enhancement of environmental awareness and wildlife conservation. This is achieved by inviting schools and uniformed groups such as Cubs and Brownies to Funges Meadow to take part in ranger led pond-dipping and bug-hunting activities. Funges Meadow is otherwise closed to the general public in order to retain its wildlife value. With it being so close to the town centre and only a short walk from the Rye car park it can be easily reached.
Area profile
In 1992 we commissioned Bucks, Berks & Oxon Wildlife Trust to provide a report on the ecological value of the site and considering how the site could be developed for wildlife.
As a result of the advice taken from this report, a large pond was excavated and left to fill naturally from the water table and natural springs.
The site is situated south of the A40 and located off Bowden Lane, with another access gate on Bassetsbury Lane.
Currently the large pond has developed into an outstanding freshwater habitat providing the opportunity to study anything from the familiar water boatman and pond skaters to the more exotic water stick insect. 
Other areas of the reserve are managed for rough grassland species and scrub with large groups of nettles left for the associated invertebrates that include the red admiral and peacock butterflies. It is no exaggeration to say that this reserve really is an oasis within its urban setting.
Broad paths are kept short throughout the summer to provide access around the site.
Best time to visit
If you are a school, uniformed group or any other type of community group that would like to learn more about fresh water and other bug life, please contact our Woodland Service using the information at the top right-hand of this page to arrange a spring or summer time visit.
Wildlife in the area
Wading herons make use of the tranquillity of the site to stalk their prey of fish and amphibians in the shallows. The blue and orange dart of the kingfisher in flight is preceded by its shrill call. Muntjac deer use the pond as a favourite watering hole and badgers disturb the grass areas looking for an evening snack.
Marsh woundwort, purple and yellow loosestrife all form colourful groups around the margins of the pond, while bird's-foot trefoil thrives amongst the shorter grasses. Shrub species such as blackthorn, hawthorn and hazel together with bramble provide perfect nesting sites for all kinds of finches and warblers that include the chaffinch and garden warbler.
Mounds of freshly cut grass are made to provide over wintering and breeding opportunities for grass snakes that thrive in this habitat, making the most of the numerous frogs that find their way on to the menu!
The pond provides the habitat for numerous larval stages of flies that include mayflies, damselflies and dragonflies. Amongst the plethora of other freshwater invertebrates in recent years, both water stick insect and water scorpion have turned up on some pond-dipping sessions.