The River Avon has many water meadows and they’re one of the reasons it’s such a rich habitat for birdlife and plants. These meadows flood when the river is high but it’s not always a natural flood. In the past, ‘drowners’ would deliberately flood the meadows to encourage early crop growth.

This concept grew across England, particularly in the south and the practice became widespread. There are few maintained water meadows left in England but those alongside the Avon from Salisbury are still cared for and remain some of the finest examples.

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Best routes to Jim's Bridge and Avon Water Meadows

5.0

(1)

hikers

1. Great Bridge, Fordingbridge – James Alexander Seton loop from Ibsley

17.1km

04:26

100m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

5.0

(3)

hikers

2. Fordingbridge Hospital – Great Bridge, Fordingbridge loop from Fordingbridge

10.3km

02:38

40m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

5.0

(2)

hikers

3. Hiking loop from Fordingbridge

5.92km

01:32

30m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

Details

Informations

Elevation 20 m

Weather

Today

Monday 9 March

13°C

7°C

30 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 12.0 km/h

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Take Me There

Location: Fordingbridge, New Forest, Hampshire, South East England, England, United Kingdom

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View of Flooded Grassland in New Forest National Park

Jim's Bridge and Avon Water Meadows

1. Great Bridge, Fordingbridge – James Alexander Seton loop from Ibsley

2. Fordingbridge Hospital – Great Bridge, Fordingbridge loop from Fordingbridge

3. Hiking loop from Fordingbridge

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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