Langley Mead

• Free car park (2.1m height restriction)
• Disabled parking bay
• Bins
• Benches
• Surfaced paths and boardwalks
• Meadows on the banks of the River Loddon
• 2.8km circular walk
• Link possible with May’s Farm Meadows, Clares Green Field and Five Acre Field using public footpaths (8.7km)

Where you’ll find it…

Find the free car park on Hyde End Road, Shinfield, nearest postcode RG2 9EP. Grid reference SU 73162 67123. What3Words: valley.tribes.order. Closed overnight.

Update February 2024: Coming soon! A new surfaced car park is set to open on Arborfield Road, nearest postcode RG2 9EB. Grid reference SU 73727 67835. What3Words: jobs.barn.hook.

N.B. We’ve given the nearest postcode, but recommend using the links to look up the exact location. The centre of a postcode may be up to half a mile from your destination.

What you’ll find there…

Nowadays it’s rare to see a traditionally managed wildflower meadow, but restoration at Langley Mead is turning back the clock. Seed has been brought in from nearby surviving meadows to bring back the wildflowers, and regular visitors will be able to enjoy their gradual return. Look out for wildflowers like Ragged Robin and Great Burnet in damper places; and Bird’s-foot Trefoil and Yellow Rattle on dryer ground. Yellow Rattle is a fascinating plant that parasitises grass, keeping its vigorous growth in check and giving other species a chance. In time, less common species like wild orchids may even return.

Shinfield Parish Council have waymarked three routes, a shorter green route of 0.8km, a medium blue route is 1.6km and the longer red route is 2.7km. Download their leaflet here.

If you’re looking for a slightly longer walk, you can follow our route to May’s Farm Meadows, taking in Clares Green Field and Five Acre Field along the way. It makes an interesting 8.7km circular route with only one busy road to cross.

Note: Dog walkers may like to know that the Langley Mead is sometimes grazed. There is limited access to streams and limited shade.

Gallery…

This ‘Greenspace on your doorstep’ is managed by…

University of Reading