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Overview
With over 200 species of birds, this nature reserve on the site of old sand and gravel quarries, is recognized as North Yorkshire's best wetland grassland site for birds. It lies between the villages of West Tanfield and Nosterfield, about 6.5 miles north of Ripon.
Birds
Notable Species
Northern Shoveler, Garganey, 25 species of wader, including Northern Lapwing, Eurasian Curlew, Common Redshank, Little Ringed Plover, Pied Avocet, all breeding on the Reserve. In Spring and Summer, there are Yellow Wagtail, Eurasian Skylark, Lesser Whitethroat, Song Thrush, Corn Bunting (breeding), Reed Bunting, Yellowhammer, Eurasian Tree Sparrow (breeding in nestboxes on the boundary of the Reserve).
Rarities
Greater White-fronted Goose, Black-bellied Brent, Barnacle Goose, Pectoral Sandpiper, Common Crane, Black-winged Stilt, Wood Sandpiper, Mediterranean Gull, Great Grey Shrike, Black Redstart, Cetti's Warbler, Yellow-browed Warbler
Check-list
Birds you can see here include:
"to do"
Other Wildlife
Noctule Bats, 27 species of butterflies, 200 species of moths, Green Tiger Beetle and many other beetle species, dragonflies and damselflies.
Site Information
History and Use
Nosterfield Local Nature Reserve, designated in 2001, is managed by the Lower Ure Conservation Trust, which works hard to support and promote local wildlife. Birdwatchers were attracted to the area in the mid 1970s and early 1980s, as the quarrying reached down to the water table and birds were attracted to the lakes which were formed. It was designated as a Site of Importance for Birds (SINC) in 1993.
Areas of Interest
- Nosterfield Quarry, nearby, is a working sand and gravel quarry, operated by Tarmac. It has a visitor centre, viewing screens and permissive paths to view the lakes.
Access and Facilities
- The site can be accessed on foot at all times
- Parking for about 20 cars, with a viewing area to watch the Reserve from your car
- Main Hide and Interpretation Building overlooking Main Lake - wheelchair accessible
- Tanfield Hide at southern edge of Reserve - wheelchair accessible
- Northern Viewing Screen overlooking North Lake, open at all times
- Main and Tanfield Hides are open during normal daylight working hours
- 1.5km of permissive footpaths, of which 500m is wheelchair accessible
- Dogs on short leads welcome, if owner cleans up after it!
- There are no toilets at the Reserve
- For directions on how to get there, see below in External Links
Contact Details
Lower Ure Conservation Trust
Sharow Grange
Sharow, Ripon
N. Yorks, HG4 5BN
Email: [email protected]
