Yorkshire - Thedms.co.uk

Yorkshire
Nature Triangle
Discover East Yorkshire’s incredible wildlife
Your FREE GUIDE to
the best wildlife spots
in and around East
Yorkshire
With events and
activities all year round,
what will you discover?
yorkshirenaturetriangle.org.uk
@VisitYNT
Welcome to
the Yorkshire
Nature Triangle
Start your
journey
today...
2 | Yorkshire Nature Triangle
CONTENTS
Explore the Triangle.....4
DISCOVER…
Headland Coast............6
Humber Estuary...........8
Vale of York................10
Holderness.................12
Yorkshire Wolds.........14
NATURE RESERVES
Listings........................16
Seasonal calendar......30
Top tips.......................31
Share your
photos and
stories
@VisitYNT
yorkshirenaturetriangle.org.uk | 3
MATTHEW ROBERTS
The Yorkshire Nature Triangle is a unique
destination in Britain, offering an almost
unrivalled range of wildlife experiences and
encounters from the heart of the Yorkshire
Wolds to the imposing 400 feet tall chalk
cliffs of the East Coast and the mighty
Humber Estuary. Enjoy some of the best in
British wildlife, from puffins, red kites, otters
and whales to thousands of birds flocking
together and stunning wildflowers – alongside
a renowned, great value Yorkshire welcome.
1
2
2
1
1
1
3
1
4
Headland Coast
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
YWT Filey Dams p17
Filey Brigg p17
RSPB Bempton Cliffs p18
YWT Flamborough Cliffs p19
Flamborough Outer Headland p20
YWT Living Seas Centre p20
South Landing p20
Sewerby Hall and Gardens p21
Danes Dyke p21
10 Thornwick Pool p21
2
3
10 4
6 5
89 7
Humber Estuary
1
2
3
4
5
6
2
RSPB Blacktoft Sands p22
YWT Spurn p23
YWT Kilnsea Wetlands p24
YWT Hodgson’s Fields p24
YWT Paull Holme Strays p25
YWT Welwick Saltmarsh p25
Vale of York
1
2
3
4
YWT Wheldrake Ings p26
YWT Allerthorpe Common p26
YWT North Cave Wetlands p27
Humber Bridge Country Park p27
Holderness
1 Tophill Low p28
2 Hornsea Mere p29
5
6
Yorkshire Wolds
4
3
2
1 YWT Kiplingcotes p29
2 Millington Woods p29
yorkshirenaturetriangle.org.uk | 5
Discover the
Headland Coast
Home to a quarter of a million seabirds in spring and
a mecca for migrating birds in autumn, the coastline
between Flamborough and Filey Brigg is deserving of its
reputation as one of the best wildlife hotspots in the UK.
Take Part!
6 | Yorkshire Nature Triangle
MARTIN BATT
Events run
thro
the year a ughout
t
Bempton RSPB
Cliffs and
YWT Livin
g Seas
Centre.
SEABIRD CITY
THE BEST VIEW IN THE HOUSE
The clifftop footpath from Scarborough to Filey, and
around the Flamborough Headland never fail to
delight. Skylarks singing overhead in summer with
the chance of porpoises and whales out to sea, waves
crashing against the cliffs in winter – whatever the
season, the coast always has something to offer.
Fl am borough
TOP 5 WILDLIFE
EXPERIENCES
MIKE SNELLE
Between March and July the sheer chalk cliffs of the
Flamborough Headland provide
the backdrop for one of
the greatest wildlife
spectacles in the
country. Puffins
and gannets are
the A-listers
in a starstudded cast of
thousands of
seabirds that
fill the cliffs with
the unmistakable
sights, smells and
sounds of seabird
city in full swing – a
Puffin
show you’ll never forget!
1
Sea parrots
Spot the nation’s favourite
seabird, the puffin, amongst
a staggering number of gannets,
kittiwakes and other seabirds at RSPB
Bempton Cliffs and Seabird Centre,
and YWT Flamborough Cliffs.
2
Take to the waves
Get a different view of the
amazing seabird colony on
a boat trip. Try a Living Seas Safari
aboard a traditional fishing cobble
from YWT Flamborough Cliffs or an
RSPB Puffin and Gannet cruise aboard
the Yorkshire Belle from Bridlington.
3
Go rock pooling
Great fun at any time of year!
Find out about our fascinating
marine wildlife in the YWT Living
Seas Centre, then join in with a
guided Seashore Safari along South
Landing to look for crabs, starfish and
anemones.
4
Winging it
CAROLINE THOROGOOD
Scan hedgerows for visiting
migrant birds including rarities
such as yellow-browed warbler,
wryneck and great grey shrike. Try
Holmes Gut in YWT Flamborough
Cliffs or Old Fall in Flamborough Outer
Headland.
5
Look out to sea
Harbour porpoises, dolphins
and even whales are regularly
sighted from the Yorkshire coastline
– Filey Brigg is a great vantage point.
Whale watching boat trips are
available in autumn from Whitby.
yorkshirenaturetriangle.org.uk | 7
Discover the
Humber Estuary
Every winter, vast numbers of wading birds
form ‘mega flocks’ that fill the mudflats
and saltmarshes of the Humber Estuary,
whilst throughout the year secretive
species like bitterns and bearded tits
reside in the reedbeds. CHRIS GRADY
ve…
Kids wg ilablolo
ard the
8 | Yorkshire Nature Triangle
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Bearded tit
EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED
TOP 5
PLACES TO VISIT
YWT Spurn is the place to witness birds
migrating during spring and autumn,
and alongside large numbers of migrants
there’s always the chance that something a
little rarer from the continent will drop in.
You mustn’t miss...
1
YWT Spurn
Hoopoe
Bitterns, bearded tits,
avocets and marsh harriers
are the star species of this famous
tidal reedbed reserve near Goole.
Wheatear
CH RIS GR ADY
2
RSPB Blacktoft Sands
MANDY WEST
Completely unlike anywhere
else in Yorkshire, Spurn is one
of the best bird watching locations
in the UK. Enjoy stunning wader
flocks in winter, spot spring and
autumn migrants and explore the
sand dune trails.
3
YWT Kilnsea Wetlands
Just up the road from YWT
Spurn, this wetland is great
for roosting waders in winter and
breeding avocets, lapwing and
redshank in summer.
4
AMY LEWIS
Got a little longer?
TOP GUNS OF THE SKY
The thousands of wading birds that gather on
the Humber Estuary between autumn and
spring attract the attention of many of our
charismatic birds of prey looking for meal: look
out for marsh harriers, peregrines, buzzards, hen
harriers, merlin, kestrels and short-eared owl.
YWT Paull Holme Strays
Watch the shimmering
flocks of knot and golden
plover moving in unison over the
mudflats of the Humber Estuary at
this spot 20 minutes’ east of Hull.
Peregrine
YWT Welwick Saltmarsh
Spend a winter’s afternoon
watching raptors such as
short-eared owl, merlin, peregrine,
marsh harrier and hen harrier
hunting along the Humber Estuary.
CHUCK JENSEN
5
S hort-eared ow
l
yorkshirenaturetriangle.org.uk | 9
PAUL BUNYARD
Discover the
Vale of York
The floodplains and relic heathland of the low-lying land west of the
Yorkshire Wolds are complimented by one of the fastest growing
man made nature reserves in the country.
A rctic vis itor
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Hundreds of
w
swans desce hooper
nd
Lower Derw on the
ent Valley
every winter
– tr
Wheldrake In y YWT
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excellent view r
s.
10 | Yorkshire Nature Triangle
Whooper swans
SNAKE EYES
TOP 5
WILDLIFE SPOTS
The best spot for viewing adders within the Yorkshire
Nature Triangle is at YWT Allerthorpe Common, not
far from Pocklington. Excellent views are almost
guaranteed on sunny spring mornings, but remember
to respect these rare and secretive reptiles.*
Adder
1
Barn Owl
A breeding stronghold for this
ghostly-looking hunter, head
out at dawn or dusk to see barn owls
quartering the land along the Lower
Derwent Valley.
2
Whimbrel
JON HAWKINS
Whimbrels drop into YWT
Wheldrake Ings each evening
during early May to roost, a stopover
on their long migration north to
Scandinavia.
MONOCHROME ELEGANCE
WW W.E LLI OT
TN EEP.CO M
A vocet
ELL IOT T NE EP
DAMIAN WATERS DRUMIMAGES.CO.UK
Enjoy a fantastic day out at YWT North Cave Wetlands
during spring and summer where you can see avocets
raising their chicks. This former quarry has been
carefully restored for wildlife and is also home to
breeding ringed and little ringed plover, lapwing,
oystercatcher and redshank.
L apwing
3
Floodplain Meadows
Look out for the raspberrylike heads of great burnet,
fluffy clouds of meadowsweet and
vivid yellow meadow vetchling which
fill the floodplain meadows at YWT
Wheldrake Ings in June.
4
5
Dressed to impress
Thousands of striking-looking
ducks like pintail, wigeon,
goldeneye and more drop in to YWT
Wheldrake Ings every winter.
Dragonflies
Between May and September
keep a look out for dragonflies
and damselflies over the pools at
YWT North Cave Wetlands.
Brown and migrant hawkers,
emperor dragonflies and
black-tailed skimmer are
amongst the species that can
be spotted.
*Adders are venomous but will only strike
if provoked, maintain a safe distance for
yourself and pets at all times.
yorkshirenaturetriangle.org.uk | 11
Discover
Holderness
The cool, clear waters of the River Hull chalk streams are
a haven for some of our most iconic riverside wildlife.
Top S pots at
Tophill
JAMIE HALL
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12 | Yorkshire Nature Triangle
Kingfisher
MARIE KALUS
WETLAND WONDERS
Otter
Tophill Low is a fantastic place for
anyone ready to take the time to
seek out some of our most sought
after and secretive creatures. With
a bit of luck otters, water voles,
kingfishers and barn owls can be
seen all year round. The
two reservoirs that make up the
heart of the reserve attract
impressive numbers of overwintering
waterfowl – smew, scaup, and
goosander can be seen alongside
tufted ducks, wigeon and tens of
thousands of roosting gulls.
Bitter n
YORKSHIRE’S LARGEST
FRESHWATER LAKE
Chal k stream
DAVID MARTIN
Alongside the seaside resort of
Hornsea, Hornsea Mere is a popular
site for birdwatchers which attracts
impressive numbers of little gulls
in autumn before large numbers
of waterfowl and wading birds
appear to spend the winter. Bitterns
and marsh harriers often put in an
appearance too.
CRYSTAL CLEAR
JON TRAILL
Enjoy the delightful tranquillity
of some of the finest chalk
streams in the country, and
head to Wansford village, east
of Driffield, where the public
footpath leads you alongside
the crystal clear waters of the
River Hull. Look out for signs
of otter as you walk and peer
through the ripples for trout
and lamprey.
yorkshirenaturetriangle.org.uk | 13
Discover the
Yorkshire Wolds
Red kites soar high over rolling hills and secluded
villages of this charming part of Yorkshire.
Brushuwreith
nat obert
ELLIOTT NEEP WWW.ELLIOTTNEEP.COM
Don’t miss R e
lif
Fuller’s Wild
in
ry
le
al
G
Art
Thixendale
14 | Yorkshire Nature Triangle
Bo xi ng brow n hares
BEST FOOT FORWARD
Some of the best wildlife encounters are to be had on
foot, so relish the chance to pull on your boots and enjoy
the tranquil walks that the Yorkshire Wolds have to offer,
many incorporating sections of the 79 mile Yorkshire
Wolds Way National Trail that runs from Hessle to Filey,
the 50 mile Minster Way which connects Beverley to
York or the 40 mile circular Chalkland Way.
Wolds walkers
TOP 5 WALKS
ON THE WOLDS
1
Millington Woods
See brilliant bluebells in
spring and spectacular
bellflower in summer on the
two mile circular walk around
this woodland nature reserve.
2
Hudson Way
In June, clouds of butterflies
flit from orchid to orchid at
YWT Kiplingcotes Chalk Pit which
lies alongside the Hudson Way,
a ten mile level footpath running
between Market Weighton and
Beverley.
3
4
Nunburnholme Wold
Great views of red kites are
almost guaranteed on this
seven mile ramble, ideal for a crisp
winter’s afternoon.
RED KITES
A true conservation success story, red kites are the
most majestic of Yorkshire’s birds of prey. Following
reintroductions at Harewood House in Leeds, red
kites have now spread out and are frequently seen
over the Yorkshire Wolds, with an established winter
roost at Nunburnholme village near Pocklington.
Red kite
Thixendale
Choose between an eight
mile circular route through
Kirby Underdale or an eight mile
figure of eight loop through the
deserted medieval village of
Wharram Percy – in spring, look
out for hares and singing skylarks as
you go. Head to the nearby Robert
Fuller Art Gallery for a full day out.
5
MARTIN BATT
Pocklington Canal
Spot kingfishers on this
easy two mile circular
route walk, part of which follows
the towpath alongside the
Pocklington Canal.
Find all walks on walkingtheriding.
eastriding.gov.uk
yorkshirenaturetriangle.org.uk | 15
Where to see wildlife
NOT SURE WHERE TO BEGIN?
New to wildlife watching? Start with the
Triangle Highlights – these places are typically
staffed, have lots to see and are great for
beginners and the more experienced alike.
LISTINGS KEY
Visitor Centre
Hides
Parking
Disabled access
Entry fee
Toilets
Café/refreshments
Stately Home
No dogs
Boat trips
Birds
Mammals
Plants
Butterflies/moths
Dragonflies
Amphibians
Snakes/reptiles
Marine life/rockpools
BILL RICHARDS
DON’T MISS OUT!
The change in season always brings a
change in wildlife, so make sure you
don’t miss out – a springtime visit to see
the seabirds, an autumn visit to watch
migration, a winter visit to see massive
wader flocks – whatever the time of
year, there’s always something to enjoy.
16 | Yorkshire Nature Triangle
A DAY IS NEVER ENOUGH
Make the most of the diverse array of
wildlife on offer and stay a little longer to
enjoy it all. East Yorkshire has a wide range
of places to stay and eat to suit all budgets,
and whether you choose a city break or
rural vacation, you’ll never be far away from
an incredible wildlife experience.
HEADLAND COAST
YWT FILEY DAMS
Fi ley Dams
Wharfedale, Off Muston Road, Filey, YO14 0DR
www.ywt.org.uk/www.fbog.co.uk
IAN ROBINSON
The largest freshwater marsh in the area, this wetland
nature reserve provides a calming contrast to wild
ruggedness on the coast. There are two bird watching
hides, with wheelchair access to Main Hide just a short
distance from the reserve car park.
Spring: Watch out for passage waders, tree sparrows,
willow warblers; spot cuckoo flowers.
Summer: Reed warblers in the reedbed; returning
sandpipers and plovers; dragonflies such as broad-bodied
chaser, black-tailed skimmer and ruddy darter whizzing
above the pools.
Autumn: Greenshank, little stint, curlew sandpiper and
ruff pause to feed up on their way south (as well as more
common waders); swallows, sand martins and house
martins in pre-migration gatherings, sometimes under
watchful eye of their nemesis the hobby.
MATT BERRY
Four-spotted
chaser
FILEY BRIGG
North Cliff, Filey, YO14 9ET
Winter: See wigeon and teal flocks, sparrowhawks
hunting and thrushes and finches over the
feeding tables.
Comm on seal
This long, low headland juts out into the North Sea, sheltering
Filey Bay and providing good bird-watching and sea-watching
opportunities all year round. Park at the neighbouring Filey
Brigg Country Park. Don’t miss the five miles of golden sands
in Filey Bay itself. Pay & Display car park.
Spring and Summer: See seabirds passing by; spot
common seals lazing on the beach; watch for spring
migrants; explore the deep rock pools around the Brigg.
AUSTIN MORLEY
Autumn: Offshore, migrating seabirds including skuas
and shearwaters can be seen; look out for falls of migrating
warblers, finches and thrushes in the Country Park.
Winter: Seek out visiting snow bunting; look on the
rocks at the end of the Brigg for purple sandpipers and
turnstones; see eider ducks swimming in the water’s edge.
yorkshirenaturetriangle.org.uk | 17
Bempto n Cliffs
Cliff Lane, Bempton, YO15 1JF
www.rspb.org.uk/bemptoncliffs 01262 422212
This splendid cliff top coastal reserve is the most accessible
place to view seabirds from the mainland in northern Europe.
Drop into the Seabird Centre for close up views of nesting
seabirds on CCTV as well as refreshments and information
throughout the year. Centre open 9.30am to 5pm Mar-Oct,
9.30am to 4pm Nov – Feb. Entry: adults £3.50, children £2,
family £8.50, RSPB members free.
MARK S
Spring: Breeding seabirds return, including gannet, puffin,
guillemot, razorbill, fulmar, kittiwake, herring gull and shag;
spot farmland birds such as skylark, linnet, meadow pipit, reed
and corn buntings.
Gannets
OY LE
Summer: The seabird breeding season peaks in June with
250,000+ seabirds with eggs or chicks; spot tree sparrows,
whitethroat, grasshopper and sedge warbler; carpets of red
campion and orchids add colour to the clifftop.
KAT SANDERS
Winter: Short-eared owls spend the winter
here; look out to sea for passing porpoises
and grey seals; enjoy bracing clifftop walks
and crashing waves below.
GEORGE ST
Autumn: See migrating flocks of
thrushes and pink-footed geese overhead;
spot migrant warblers, flycatchers and
chats; Manx and sooty shearwater, arctic
and great skua may be seen in strong
North West winds.
Puffi n
It’s a must!
RSPB Seabird Cruises
www.rspb.org.uk/bemptoncliffs
01262 422212
RSPB
HEADLAND COAST
RSPB BEMPTON CLIFFS
18 | Yorkshire Nature Triangle
Great views of seabirds aboard the
Yorkshire Belle pleasure cruiser
with commentary and assistance
from the RSPB team throughout.
Choose between Puffin and Gannet
Cruises (May – Jul) and Skua and
Shearwater Cruises (Aug – Oct), both
depart from Bridlington Harbour.
See website for sailing times and
booking information. Sailing subject
to weather conditions. Adults £20,
Children (16 and under) £10, (under
2) free. Group discounts available.
KIRSTY BROWN
Living Seas
Safari boat trips
www.ywt.org.uk
Marvel at seabirds high on the
chalk cliffs and head into a sea
cave on this 45 minute to one
hour trip aboard a traditional
Yorkshire fishing boat. Trips
leave North Landing bay and run
regularly at weekends between
April and July, see website for
sailing times. Sailings subject to
weather conditions, seats 20
people. Book via the website.
Adults £8, children (aged 16 and
under) £4. You will need to visit
the YWT Living Seas Centre at
South Landing a minimum of 30
minutes to collect your ticket
before the trip.
STEVE RACE
YWT FLAMBOROUGH CLIFFS
North Marine Road, Flamborough, YO15 1BJ
www.ywt.org.uk
This coastal reserve has cliff top walkways with
excellent vantage points to spot puffins and other
seabirds, and drops down to superb rockpools and
sea caves during low tides at North Landing and
Thornwick Bay. Pay & Display car park.
Spring: Thousands of seabirds return to nest on the
chalk cliffs, including puffin, kittiwake, guillemot, razorbill
and fulmar.
MARTIN BATT
Razorbill
Summer: Spot puffins on the cliff face and seabird
sitting on nests; walk amongst salt-loving plants like sea
thrift and sea plantain, as well as pyramidal orchid and
blue harebell; breeding yellowhammer and linnet can be
found in hedgerows; butterflies are regularly seen.
Autumn: Large numbers of migrant birds including rarer
species such as yellow-browed warbler, wryneck and
great grey shrike take refuge in the hedgerows and scrub,
with ‘falls’ of species like goldcrests sometimes being
measured in the dozens; offshore, Manx shearwater and
skuas may be joined by little auks in stormy weather.
Fl am borough Cliffs
Winter: See fieldfare and redwing on the scrub in
Holmes Gut; barn owl, stoat and weasel can often be
seen hunting in daylight; gannets and fulmars return
from January; dramatic waves are always guaranteed!
yorkshirenaturetriangle.org.uk | 19
HEADLAND COAST
It’s a must!
South Sea Road. South Landing, Flamborough, YO15 1AE
www.ywt.org.uk 01262 422103
Livi ng Seas Centre
ANT HURD
The YWT Living Seas Centre is dedicated to the North
Sea’s amazing marine wildlife. Find out what to look out
for on the coast along with the latest bird, whale and
dolphin sightings, as well as the ever changing children’s
arts and crafts activities. The event programme is the
centre’s key attraction – join the expert marine
team for guided walks and
Seashore Safaris which run
regularly at weekends and
throughout school holidays
– see website for details.
Open between 10am and
5pm most weekends and
school holidays (check
website for dates or call
in advance). No entry fee.
Refreshments available. Pay
& Display car park.
Rock pooli ng
FLAMBOROUGH OUTER
HEADLAND
Lighthouse Road, Flamborough, YO15 1AR
www.eastriding.gov.uk
This arable and coastal nature reserve is particularly
noted for the bird migration hotspot of Old Fall Plantation
– try scanning with binoculars in spring and autumn for
the chance of finding yellow-browed warbler, wryneck or
great grey shrike. The circular walkway takes you past the
lighthouse (guided tours available) and along the coastal
footpath offering amazing views out to sea.
Grey seal
MARTIN BATT
HEADLAND COAST
YWT LIVING SEAS CENTRE
SOUTH LANDING
South Sea Road. South Landing, Flamborough, YO15 1AE
www.eastriding.gov.uk
This woodland and coastal nature reserve is just 5
minutes’ walk from the YWT Living Seas Centre. Low
tide reveals a host of rock pools perfect for exploring,
while the more adventurous may take the steps up to the
clifftops, which afford beautiful views south and a great
vantage point for marine life like porpoises and seals. A
woodland nature trail then snakes inland back towards
the Living Seas Centre taking in a wildflower meadow too.
YWT
RICH ANDREWS
Wr yneck
20 | Yorkshire Nature Triangle
Set in a dramatic cliff top position, this stately home has
spectacular south facing views over Bridlington Bay and
is surrounded by 50 acres of stunning parkland, including
impressive woodland trails. In front of the hall, the cliff
top path gives access to Sewerby Steps and pebbly beach
with good rock pool and visiting wading birds such as
turnstone and oystercatcher. Estate, clock tower cafe and
zoo are open all year round. House open between Apr-Sep
(admission charges apply).
This is the most extensive area of woodland on the
Flamborough Headland, Danes Dyke attracts resident
breeding and overwintering birds, as well as being a good
place to spot bats on a warm summer evening. The beach
between Danes Dyke and Sewerby Steps has some good
rock pools. Despite its name, the dyke is prehistoric in
origin. Bronze Age arrowheads were found at the site
when it was excavated in 1879. The site is named after the
ancient ditch and bank earthwork which runs through the
reserve and across the Flamborough headland itself. Pay &
Display car park.
Se werby Hall
THORNWICK POOL
North Marine Road, Flamborough, YO15 1AU
Danes Dyke
JACKIE BROOKSHAW
Sewerby, Bridlington, YO15 1AA
www.eastriding.gov.uk
SEWERBY HALL
Church Lane, Sewerby, Bridlington, YO15 1EA
www.sewerbyhall.co.uk 01262 673769
HEADLAND COAST
SEWERBY HALL AND GARDENS DANES DYKE
Yellow wagtai l
RICHARD BOWLER
This relatively small wetland has two bird
watching hides overlooking a pool which attracts
a range of waders, as well as smaller birds such
as white and yellow wagtails which come to feed
and drink on the pool edge. Late summer and
autumn sees a rise in the number of birds on the
reserve, such as green and wood sandpipers in
late July, followed by dunlin and other waders.
Please respect the residents of Thornwick & Sea
Farm Holiday Centre and drive slowly on site.
yorkshirenaturetriangle.org.uk | 21
Townsend Causeway, nr Ousefleet, DN14 8HR
www.rspb.org.uk/blacktoftsands 01405 704665
Ko nik po ny
BILL HEATH
HUMBER ESTUARY
RSPB BLACKTOFT SANDS
The largest inland reedbed in the country, well-known for
secretive species like bitterns, bearded tits and marsh harriers
that live amongst the whispering reeds. From mid-June
onwards, migrating waders make a stop on the lagoons giving
impressive close up views. Some 270 bird species have been
seen including 50 species of waders, with striking Konik ponies
also present as grazing animals. Open daily 9am to 9pm (or
dusk if earlier). The reception hide is open daily from 9am to
4pm from Apr-Sep and at weekends from 10am to 4pm from
Oct-Mar. Entry: adults £4, under 16s £1, concessions £3, family
£7. RSPB members free.
MANDY WEST
Spring: Hear booming bitterns; spot eight species of
warblers; see avocets establishing nests; marvel at marsh
harriers performing their courtship flights.
Summer and Autumn: Watch marsh harriers hunting
for food for their chicks; spot migrating waders - spotted
redshank, greenshank, black-tailed godwit, ruff and dunlin can be seen on the lagoons; water rail and flocks of bearded
tits ‘ping’ through the reedbed on still days.
Winter: Watch marsh harriers, merlin and the occasional hen
harrier gathering to roost; barn owls are often seen hunting
in front of the hides; overwintering wildfowl can be seen on
the lagoons.
M ars h harrier
Yorkshire Coast Nature Tours
www.yorkshirecoastnature.co.uk
01723 865498
Wildlife tours/safaris and photography
workshops led by local and professional experts
Richard Baines and Steve Race. In East and
North Yorkshire, North York Moors National
Park, Whitby, Yorkshire Wolds, Scarborough,
Flamborough Headland, Bempton RSPB, Filey,
Spurn. Experience beautiful landscapes and
nature. Wildlife encounters from whales to
goshawks! Everyone is welcome on our trips,
from beginners to the more experienced.
We cater for small groups only.
22 | Yorkshire Nature Triangle
YORKSHIRE COAST NATURE
YORKSHIRE WIDE
It’s a must!
DAVID NICHOLS
LES BIN NS
S ix-spot burnet
It’s a must!
YWT SPURN
Spurn Head, South of Kilnsea, HU12 0UH
www.ywt.org.uk
The iconic three and a half mile long sandy peninsula of
Spurn is renowned for its autumn migration spectacle
when thousands of birds fly overhead, with a good
chance of rarities dropping down to the sea buckthorn
scrub. Spurn truly is a site for all seasons, and no two days
are the same. Visitors (sorry, no dogs) may wander freely
over much of the reserve, with the help of interpretation
boards on the paths. A new visitor experience in the
restored lighthouse is due to open in late 2015
and daily information on the latest sightings is
available at the entrance. Please note there is no
vehicular access past the car park at the reserve
entrance; in the past there has been a road
down to the Point but this is no longer the case.
The Point is cut off from the mainland at high tide
so it is important to check tide times carefully if
you are planning to walk or cycle the 3.5 miles
down to the Point - tide times can be found on the
Trust’s website. Parking at the reserve entrance (£3
m ot h per car, free for YWT members).
Spurn Safari
Spring: See returning sand martin, swallow, wheatear,
and black redstart; an early morning or evening visit
may provide sightings of roe deer and barn owl.
Climb aboard a giant 4x4 for a safari over the sand dunes,
enjoying spectacular views and spotting the incredible
wildlife of Spurn. This two hour round trip down to the
Point and back includes a full commentary, a guided walk
at the Point itself and (once the restorations have been
completed in late summer 2015) a tour up the lighthouse.
Special themed safaris also run throughout the year. £10
per person. Booking is essential, see website for details.
Summer: Hear whitethroats singing from the bushes;
spot ringed plover and little tern on the sand and shingle;
wading birds in summer plumage return to the mudflats;
butterflies are joined by day-flying moths such as
cinnabars, burnet moths and occasionally hummingbird
hawk-moths among the dunes and grassland; dragonflies,
including the UK’s largest, the emperor, can often be seen.
www.ywt.org.uk 01964 650533
ANDY MASON
Autumn: Watch the spectacle of autumn migration
in action, with migrant willow warblers, chiffchaffs,
whitethroats, lesser whitethroats, reed warblers,
goldcrests, stonechats, wheatears, redstarts and more
en route to the winter haunts; offshore, Manx and sooty
shearwaters, Arctic and great skuas can be seen, and
humpback whales have even been spotted; watch for
keen throngs of birdwatchers for a chance to encounter a
real rarity blown off course.
Winter: Spot whirling flocks of knot chased by peregrine
falcons and merlin; hen harrier may drift by as they
venture out from their winter feeding areas on the salt
marshes of the Humber; enjoy bracing walks and wide
open skies.
yorkshirenaturetriangle.org.uk | 23
HUMBER ESTUARY
Spur n Point
HUMBER ESTUARY
YWT KILNSEA WETLANDS
Easington Road, Kilnsea, HU12 0UD
www.ywt.org.uk
Little egret
MARTIN BATT
If you’re visiting YWT Spurn then YWT Kilnsea Wetlands
is a natural partner – they are just 5 minutes’ drive apart.
This nature reserve was created in 2011 to compensate
for loss of habitat on the eroding Holderness coastline
and is already attracting roosting and breeding waders.
A good tip is to visit just before high tide on a winter’s
day when you will see waders flying overhead and
dropping down onto the reserve to roost. Don’t forget to
look out over the North Sea where you may see harbour
porpoise and grey seals.
Wigeon
Spring and summer: See breeding avocets and
oystercatchers; little egrets are a common summer sight;
July starts to see returning migrant waders; look towards
the North Sea on a calm day and you may see harbour
porpoises, grey or common seals.
Roe deer
MIKE RICHARDSON
Autumn and winter: Redshank, greenshank,
spotted redshank, dunlin, knot and ruff can all be
seen on the site at high tide; good views of wigeon,
teal, mallard and brent geese which overwinter on the
reserve; peregrine, merlin, barn owl and short-eared owl
are regularly seen.
YWT HODGSON’S FIELDS
Near Skeffling, Easington, Hull, HU12 0UR
www.ywt.org.uk
If you’re looking to spend a little more time around YWT
Spurn then visit this rough grassland reserve for flowers,
butterflies and farmland birds. The pathways may be
muddy in wet weather.
ELLIOTT NEEP WWW.ELLIOTTNEEP.COM
Summer: During June and July look for southern
and northern marsh orchids, as well as butterflies and
dragonflies; farmland birds such as linnet, yellowhammer
and tree sparrow are commonly seen; at dusk bats feed
along the scrub patches and hedgerows. Watch for roe
deer bounding over the fields.
Autumn and winter: Whimbrel drop into the site on
their autumn migration; barn owls and kestrels can be
seen hunting.
24 | Yorkshire Nature Triangle
HUMBER ESTUARY
YWT PAULL HOLME STRAYS
Knot
Thorngumbald Road, Hull, HU12 8AX
www.ywt.org.uk
MATT THOMAS
YWT Paull Holme Strays is at is best during the
winter months, when thousands of waders
descend on the mudflats and saltmarshes to feed
and roost. These large gatherings attract aerial
predators such as peregrine and merlin, and many
an hour can be passed watching the swirling flocks
of knot and golden plover. The best views are to be
had just before high tide. Summer is a quieter time,
but still offers some delightful wildlife encounters.
The paths can become muddy in winter at this
exposed site.
Spring and summer: Look for swallows, sand
and house martins, yellow wagtails and skylarks;
spot dragonflies, damselflies and butterflies in
freshwater areas surrounding the site.
Winter: Thousands of wading birds use the site
to feed and roost, including knot, golden plover,
black and bar-tailed godwits, redshank, dunlin,
lapwing and curlew; peregrine and merlin can be
seen hunting; spot barnacle and brent geese on the
mud flats.
ELLIOTT NEEP WWW.ELLIOTTNEEP.COM
Autumn: Waders start arriving; impressive flocks
of golden plovers are seen during October and
November.
Comm on bl ue
damselfly
YWT WELWICK SALTMARSH
ELLIOTT NEEP WWW.ELLIOTTNEEP.COM
Humber Side Lane, Welwick, Patrington, Hull, HU12 0UX
www.ywt.org.uk
Short-eared
owl
It’s worth making time to spend a winter’s afternoon
looking for birds of prey at this large saltmarsh on the
Humber Estuary. Short-eared owl, barn owl, merlin,
peregrine, marsh harrier, hen harrier and kestrel are all
regularly seen, whilst hundreds of curlews feed on the
edge of the saltmarsh; grey plover, knot and dunlin feed
on the mudflat. Viewing is restricted to a path along the
north of the site so binoculars are a must. Please don’t
walk across the saltmarsh itself as this is dangerous and
will disturb the wildlife.
yorkshirenaturetriangle.org.uk | 25
Wheldrake Ings
Ings Lane, off Church Lane, Wheldrake YO19 6AS
www.ywt.org.uk
KIRSTY BROWN
Just 20 minutes from York, Wheldrake Ings is internationally
important for its rich summer hay meadows full of flowers and
large winter gatherings of ducks, with numerous viewing hides
affording wonderful vistas across the open water. Parking space
is limited and the ground is often soft. There are four viewing
hides - visitors are asked to keep to the marked footpaths.
Spring and summer: Spot migrating whimbrel in May; listen
to the calls of breeding redshank, curlew and ‘drumming’ snipe
in spring; Mid to late June sees the meadows at their very best,
with the ‘fluffy’ white flowers of meadowsweet, the beautiful
round burgundy heads of great burnet and the vivid yellow
of meadow vetchling scrambling up the surrounding plants.
In July, the lush meadows are cut for hay. Within a few weeks
the area starts to ‘green up’ once again and livestock are then
turned out to graze until autumn. The water’s edge and
ditches are abuzz with dragonflies and warblers provide
another soundtrack.
Autumn and winter: Spot thousands of waders and
wildfowl on the flooded plains, including whooper swans from
the arctic, wigeon, teal, shoveler, goldeneye and the exquisite
pintail; spot flocks of lapwing in the skies; with a bit of luck
otters can be seen in the water’s edge.
Pi ntai l
YWT ALLERTHORPE COMMON
Allerthorpe, Pocklington, YO42 4RU
www.ywt.org.uk
This lowland heath has a surprising range of habitats and
is known for its healthy adder population. Combine with a
visit to YWT Wheldrake Ings for a full day out.
Spring: See adders basking in the morning sun between
February and April, spot woodlark, common frog, willow
warbler and yellowhammer in spring.
JO MEAYS
Summer: Spot dragonflies and damselflies including
broad-bodied chaser and blue-tailed damselfly; in August
see purple clumps of ling heather.
Comm on frog
26 | Yorkshire Nature Triangle
Autumn/winter: Look out for woodcock, tit flocks,
siskin, lesser redpoll, winter jay, coal tit and treecreeper in
the woodland.
CHRIS GRADY
VALE OF YORK
YWT WHELDRAKE INGS
VALE OF YORK
YWT NORTH CAVE WETLANDS
Just half an hour from Hull, this rapidly growing wetland
already has big reputation for some impressive wildlife and
plenty of great ways to enjoy it. The patchwork of habitats
is key to North Cave’s popularity with nature and visitors
alike with deep lakes, wet grassland, gravel islands, reedbed
and hedgerows all to be discovered. Four bird hides
including an accessible straw bale hide, offer excellent views
across the reserve and a brand new viewing and picnic area
(also accessible) offers great views across the main pools
and feeding station. Hot food and drinks are available at the
mobile Wild Bird Cafe at the reserve entrance.
Spring: See breeding avocet, common tern, little ringed
plover, lapwing and redshank; hear reed and sedge warblers.
Summer: Spot dragonflies including the four spotted
chaser and the often inquisitive southern hawker; hobbies
may swoop in for a quick meal; watch wader chicks finding
their feet on the island and wetland fringes.
A vocet
NEIL ALDRIDGE
Dryham Lane, North Cave HU15 2LY
www.ywt.org.uk
Brow n argus
Autumn: Dropping water levels prove attractive for
passage migrant wading birds like the little stint and the
chance of rarer species.
AMY LEWIS
Winter: See goldeneye, pochard, shoveler, gadwall and
teal gathering on the islands alongside lapwings, redshank
and occasional visitors like ruff; barn owl, red kite and
peregrine often pay a visit too, as do marsh harriers; hedges
and crops support finches and buntings, and the feeding
station is always busy.
HUMBER BRIDGE COUNTRY PARK
MATT BERRY
Ferriby Road, Hessle, Hull, HU13 0HB
www.eastriding.gov.uk
Comma butterfly
A great place to start your journey, pop into the Tourist
Information Centre (open daily, check website for times) for
local knowledge and advice from the friendly staff, then stretch
your legs on one of the various trails that wind around the ash
woodland, grassland, bird feeding station and open pools.
Head down to the foreshore for impressive views of the
Humber Bridge spanning the Humber Estuary.
yorkshirenaturetriangle.org.uk | 27
Watton Carrs, Driffield, YO25 9RH
www.tophilllow.blogspot.co.uk 01377 270690
Spring: See the return of little-ringed plovers in
late March, followed by thousands of house and
sand martins, swallows and swifts; regular migrants
include osprey, greenshank, grebes, little gull and
terns; see grass snakes sunning themselves on
warm mornings.
Water vole
TOM MARSHALL
Two large Yorkshire Water reservoirs surrounded by
planted woodland and meadow make up this nature
reserve which lies alongside the River Hull. Winter
sees the waters packed with wildfowl including real
treats like the striking smew from northern Europe,
while a patchwork of marshes, ponds, woodland
and grassland play host to kingfishers, barn owls
and sightings of the elusive otter. For the keen-eyed,
grass snakes make a home here along with Ratty
the water vole. Open daily 9am – 6pm. Entry adults
£3.30, concessions £1.50, under 5’s go free.
Barn owl
Autumn: The wading bird passage continues,
and late summer and early autumn are the best
time to spot young kingfishers at the North Marsh;
ospreys again stop on migration and the winter gull
roost starts to build up each afternoon with up to
40,000 black-headed and common gull, great black
backed gulls and occasional Mediterranean gulls;
on the woodland floor up to 280 fungi species can
be found.
Winter: Harsher weather brings occasional Arctic
species to mix with the gull roost, including glaucous
and Iceland gulls, with wintering peregrine falcons
taking the chance to grab a meal; spot wintering
smew, along with thousands more wigeon, teal,
tufted duck and gadwall; see brambling on the bird
feeders; look for bittern and water rail stalking the
reed beds.
28 | Yorkshire Nature Triangle
GARY COX
Summer: Spot common terns breeding on the
marshes, along with black headed gull, shoveler,
pintail and little ringed plover; barn owls raise
their chicks; water voles are active on pools, with
otters occasionally glimpsed too; see bee, common
spotted and marsh orchids in early June, followed
by carpets of fleabane in August, attracting marbled
white and brown argus butterflies; returning wading
birds in late summer include black-tailed godwit,
green sandpiper and occasionally rarer species.
Grass snake
JAMIE HALL
HOLDERNESS
TOPHILL LOW
HORNSEA MERE
HOLDERNESS
Goldeneye
Wassand Hall, Seaton, Hornsea, HU11 5RJ
www.wassand.co.uk
Yorkshire’s largest freshwater lake, this stunning site offers much for
the bird watcher and those simply seeking a quiet stroll away from
the bustle of nearby Hornsea. The delightful woodland walk at
Wassand should bring butterflies and plenty of birdsong in summer,
whilst the mere itself has a renowned reputation as a crucial stopoff for birds and as a valuable winter refuge, complimented by a
brand new viewing hide. Day tickets to the woods and hide are
£2.50 available from East Lodge, Wassand Estate main entrance.
Spring/Summer: Look overhead for migrating ospreys, listen
for reed and sedge warblers and keep an eye for grass snakes on
the woodland walk.
GARY FAULKNER
Autumn/Winter: Excellent numbers of little gull in autumn; large
gatherings of waterfowl including pink footed geese, goldeneye,
whooper swan and Slavonian grebe along with
regular sea ducks and divers.
MILLINGTON WOODS
This chalk grassland turns into a riot of colour during
summer when butterflies flit between colourful native
wildflowers. Situated alongside the Hudson Way
footpath, this is a great location for a June walk.
Perfect for a woodland stroll whatever the season, this
is the most botanically rich woodland in East Yorkshire.
Head to neighbouring Millington Dale for wide open skies
and good chance of seeing red kites overhead.
Summer: See an amazing show of flowering plants
including pyramidal and common spotted orchids in
late June and early July; on a warm day you will also see
marbled whites and other butterflies typical of chalky
soils; there is also the possibility of red kites and
buzzards overhead.
Spring and summer: Bluebells and wild garlic fill the
reserve in May. During summer, look out for the stunning
giant bellflowers (which can grow up to six feet tall)
towering about flower filled verges.
Kiplingcotes, Market Weighton, YO43 3NA
www.ywt.org.uk
Millington, Pocklington, East Riding of Yorkshire, YO42 1TZ
www.eastriding.gov.uk
ELLIOTT NEEP WWW.ELLIOTTNEEP.COM
Buzzard
AMY LEWIS
YORKSHIRE WOLDS
YWT KIPLINGCOTES
Bl uebells
yorkshirenaturetriangle.org.uk | 29
Seasonal wildlife calendar
Wildlife
Top Tip
Adder
Visit heaths like Allerthorpe Common
early to watch adders basking in the
morning sun
Avocet
Spot chicks at YWT North Cave Wetlands and
RSPB Blacktoft Sands
Bittern
Listen for the unmistakeable
boom in spring at RSPB Blacktoft Sands
Barn owl
Barn owls have been spotted all over East
Yorkshire; keep an eye out at dawn and dusk
Ducks
Male wigeon, pintail, shovelor and
teal are at their finest in winter
Gannet
Check out the largest mainland colony
at RSPB Bempton Cliffs
Grey seal
Keep an eye on the sea whenever
you’re along the coast
Harbour
porpoise
Pick a calm day and look out for the small
triangular fin breaking the water’s surface
Otter
These elusive creatures aren’t easy to spot
but you have a good chance at Tophill Low
Puffin
Between April and mid July look out for these
colourful birds at YWT Flamborough Cliffs and
RSPB Bempton Cliffs
Red kite
Keep your eyes to the skies whilst
in the Yorkshire Wolds
Marsh
harrier
Watch these mighty birds come into
roost in the late afternoon at RSPB Blacktoft
Sands
Marsh
orchid
Walk along the clifftop path of Flamborough
Headland during June
Whales
It’s possible to spot minke whales from
the shore on a still day in summer. Whale
watching boat trips are available in Whitby
Whimbrel
These birds stop off at YWT
Wheldrake Ings in April
Waders
Visit mudflats along the Humber Estuary
at high tide to watch swirling flocks of knot,
dunlin and godwit
30 | Yorkshire Nature Triangle
Winter
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Top tips to get the most out of your visit
BEAR IN MIND
THE SEASON!
USEFUL CONTACTS AND
LOCAL INFORMATION
YWT Living Seas Centre
01262 422103
@YWTLivingSeas
YWTLivingSeas
GET THE LATEST
SIGHTINGS BEFORE
YOU GO
RSPB Bempton Cliffs and Seabird Centre
01262 422212
@Bempton_Cliffs
RSPBnorthyorksandeastriding
KEEPING THE KIDS
ENTERTAINED
Wildlife watching can test some
children’s patience, so best to plan
ahead to avoid upsets later in the
day. Look out for reserves with
visitor centres and/or events
programmes. Yorkshire Wolds
Tracker Packs containing loads
of activities can be hired from
Tourist Information Centres,
whilst free downloadable
activities are available from
Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and
RSPB’s website.
Tophill Low
01377 270690
@tophillow
Spurn Bird Observatory
spurnbirdobservatory.co.uk
@spurnbirdobs
Flamborough Bird Observatory
fbo.org.uk
@FlamboroughBird
Filey Bird Observatory
fbog.co.uk
ISS
Wear sensible footwear, take a
raincoat and don’t forget that it
might be blazing hot in summer!
Check the symbols carefully to
determine what facilities are
available before you go. Check
the website for more detailed
information.
North Cave Wetlands
@NorthCaveWet
JO NATH AN BL
DON’T FORGET ABOUT
THE GREAT BRITISH
WEATHER
RSPB Blacktoft Sands
01405 704665
RSPBnorthyorksandeastriding
ON
Check out online blogs, facebook
and twitter for the latest news – the
best sources of up to date sightings
information are listed on the right. CA RO L WO OT
The calendar opposite will give you
a better idea of when you are most
likely to see some of the Triangle’s
more popular species.
Yellow wagtail
Merli n
yorkshirenaturetriangle.org.uk | 31
yorkshirenaturetriangle.org.uk
Coastal
Communities
munities
Fund
AVOCET - ERNIE JANES/NATUREPL.COM. BOAT - KIRSTEN CARTER. KINGFISHER - JOHN HAWKINS. OTTER - ELLIOTT NEEP WWW.ELLIOTTNEEP.COM
Eastern Yorkshire has so many incredible wildlife
encounters to offer first time visitors and residents alike.
Did you know you can see puffins on the coast, or red
kites on the Yorkshire Wolds, or that 20,000 swallows
were seen on a single day alone at Spurn? This handy
guide will help you find your very own unforgettable
wildlife encounters in the Yorkshire Nature Triangle.