Kings Meadow and the Coal Woodland

The Coal woodland is at the eastern end of the Reading section of the Thames corridor. The Coal was the site of the coal yards for the Great Western Railway, when Brunel’s line reached Reading. Reading became, and remains, an important railway junction. The woodland was recovered when a new superstore was built on the site. It is a wooded area raised out of the flood plain, and it starts immediately adjacent to the foot of Horseshoe Bridge at Kennetmouth. There is a towpath between the woodland and the river bank, and a small area of open space adjacent to the river which extends beyond the towpath and into the river. The woodland separates Tesco superstore and carpark from the river.

King’s Meadow, a possession of Reading Abbey, temporarily owned by the monarch after the Dissolution, stretches from the western end of The Coal to Meadow Road (near Reading Bridge). The park’s landscape is open fields of short grass right up to the river bank, with some perimeter trees and an avenue from Napier Road to the river. Along its northern boundary is a willow arboretum, established as a Millenium project. The collection of willows includes both standards and coppice stools which are harvested by local willow weavers.

The park is prone to flooding. There is a car park in the south-west corner on Napier Road. In the northwest corner of the Kings Meadow is an old Victorian river-fed bathing station. Opposite this, is an island and river lock, owned by the Environment Agency, the redevelopment of which is currently being considered.

The playing fields are used by football clubs throughout the season, although fixtures may be disrupted by flooding. In summer there is Gaelic football.

Events, like an annual beer fest, are held on the site.

Site Description

Address	Napier Road, Reading RG1 8DF
Map
Description	Kings Meadow is a large open space witha pleasant walk along the towpath to Reading Bridge. A popular picnic site with groups of mature trees. Caversham Lock is at the east end. Willow basket beds have been planted. Used for football and rugby games. Susceptible to flooding during the winter.
Facilities	Moorings Fishing Football pitches  Rugby pitches
Access	Flat and formal pathways. Pedestrian and cycle access from the tow path Vehicular access via Napier Road & Kings MeadowRoad. Car park near eastern entrance and the lock.
Wildlife	A traditional willow bed and arboretumhave been planted as a Millennium event, containing arare willow (salix sepulhralis). Waterside birdsinclude Kingfishers, sand martins. And Insects such asdragonflies and stag beetles can also be found on thissite.
History	This area has long been used as the siteof a variety of public events such as Reading market, a race course, Reading shows and fairs.