Several fields south of Sawbridgeworth have been left to go rough primarily for shooting. As part of this a field directly south of Sawbridgeworth has become flooded. During the Autumn of 2007 seven species of wader were seen on this muddy pool- Snipe, Lapwing, Common Sandpiper, Green Sandpiper, Wood Sandpiper, Black-Tailed Godwit and Little Stint. There were often good numbers of Black-Headed Gulls and Pied Wagtails, and some Comon Terns. There were good numbers of Hirundines which attracted the occasional Hobby. The run of good birds continued into 2008 with a Little Gull, and regular Stonechat. In addition, the fields around attract good numbers of what in other parts of the country are becoming scarce birds; Yellowhammers, Bullfinches, Lesser Whitethroats in summer, and Lesser-Spotted Woodpecker has been seen along here.
Below is a guide to watching this area.
Firstly and importantly, the whole of the area is viewable from footpaths with binoculars and a telescope. There is no need to go into any of the fields, and particularly not into the scrape field.
Aerial Map (courtesy of Google Maps).
The area that I watch is bounded by Sheering Mill Road in the north, Feakes Lock in the south, Pishiobury Park and Sawbridgeworth in the west and the main London-Stansted railway line in the east.Parking. Some parking is available on Sheering Mill Road just to the west of the river.
Access: walk down the west (Herts) river bank from the bridge
Birds are available almost immediately. The rough ground and tall trees often contain finches, thrushes, and woodpeckers.
After about 100 yards, the east bank gives way to an open rough field - the scrape field.
This field is viewable entirely from the river bank with a telescope. Views of birds on the scrape are far superior than most views obtained at much larger reserves.
Further down the river bank opens up to rough damp fields with a couple of run-offs from the river. The photo below is taken looking north back up the river.
The river should be crossed at the first bridge encountered (conveniently forgot to take a photo). Then there are two footpaths. the one south goes along to Feakes Lock, and allows views across the fields on the east bank.
the photo is taken from Feakes Lock looking north back up the river.back up to the bridge, then carry on north on the east bank, and folow the path round east. Walk up the path towards the railway line. At the top of the field there are excellent views over the scrape field, the chaff dump field, and over the fields beyond the railway line.
And then its back across the river, and possibly up into the fields between the Brook Road area and the river, often with lots of finches and warblers.
Overall the area is an example of the numbers and variety of birds that can be seen when countryside is allowed to develop for wildlife.
