Middle Street Meadow is part of an old water meadow system along the River Nadder which was worked until the early 1900's. At that time the field was given by the farmer to Salisbury District Council to remain in its natural state for the enjoyment of the people of Harnham. Evidence of water-meadow ditches still remain, especially in the eastern end.

During the winter of 1960-61 a severe flood threatened local homes and a chalk flood bank was constructed along the length of the river bank as part of a flood alleviation scheme. This also included dredging another channel for the river so creating Nadder Island. These schemes together altered the hydrology of the meadow lowering the water table. Only following prolonged winter rainfall do parts of the meadow still flood.