HUNSDON Mead Nature Reserve near Roydon has been chosen by the BBC to appear in a new series of its 'Nature of Britain' programme. The programme - which is presented by Alan Titchmarsh - explores what makes Britain, its...

HUNSDON Mead Nature Reserve near Roydon has been chosen by the BBC to appear in a new series of its 'Nature of Britain' programme. The programme - which is presented by Alan Titchmarsh - explores what makes Britain, its geography and its wildlife so unique. The series is due to start this autumn for eight hour-long programmes. One will consider farmland and for the London broadcast there will be a regional highlight for the last ten minutes of the programme. The BBC was keen to feature Hunsdon Mead because it is a fine example of a flood plain meadow - managed in the same way that grassland meadows were farmed for centuries before automated farming came into being. Because the 28 hectare site has never been exposed to fertiliser, it is home to a wonderful array of meadow plants and attracts insects and birds all summer.For more than a year, the BBC has been preparing the programme, popping back to film the reserve as it changes through the seasons. In May, regional presenter Steve Leonard came to visit the site and talked to Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust's reserve officer, Ellie Minns, before filming his piece. Later on, a group of visitors enjoying a guided walk led by Ellie were also filmed as they discovered the green winged orchids and other special plants growing there. We're very excited that this delightful nature reserve will be seen in the London region viewing area in the autumn and hope that it encourages more people to come and explore this gem nestling on the banks of the Stort River.