Lower Derwent Valley National Nature Reserve

Recommended by

Overview

The Lower Derwent Valley NNR is made up of a series of flood meadows, pastures and woodlands, supporting a rich diversity of plants and large populations of breeding and over-wintering birds. Spring is a vibrant time on the reserve. As winter flood waters recede, the rich meadows begin to grow plants such as marsh marigold and cuckooflower. Waders such as lapwing, redshank and curlew start to raise their young, while flotillas of young ducks scoot into the overhanging willows around the pools. Late June sees the meadows at their best, with some of the best areas supporting up to 25 plant species per square metre. In the autumn, the meadows start to flood and the impressive expanses of open water attract a spectacle of over 40,000 ducks, geese and waders use the Lower Derwent Valley each winter. Spring and autumn can be exciting as migrant waders, terns and raptors pass through. Spotted crake, water rail and willow tit all breed here, along with many common waders and ducks. Marsh harrier, hobby and peregrine are all seen regularly, with the chance of an osprey or black tern during migration.

Features

Opening Times
Open all year

Location

Ings Lane, YORK, YO19 6AS

About the area

North Yorkshire, with its two National Parks and two designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is England’s largest county and one of the most rural. This is prime walking country, from the heather-clad heights of the North York Moors to the limestone country that is so typical of the Yorkshire Dales – a place of contrasts and discoveries, of history and legend.

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Lower Derwent Valley National Nature Reserve

Ings Lane, YORK, YO19 6AS

0300 060 3900

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Lower Derwent Valley National Nature Reserve

Recommended by

Overview

The Lower Derwent Valley NNR is made up of a series of flood meadows, pastures and woodlands, supporting a rich diversity of plants and large populations of breeding and over-wintering birds. Spring is a vibrant time on the reserve. As winter flood waters recede, the rich meadows begin to grow plants such as marsh marigold and cuckooflower. Waders such as lapwing, redshank and curlew start to raise their young, while flotillas of young ducks scoot into the overhanging willows around the pools. Late June sees the meadows at their best, with some of the best areas supporting up to 25 plant species per square metre. In the autumn, the meadows start to flood and the impressive expanses of open water attract a spectacle of over 40,000 ducks, geese and waders use the Lower Derwent Valley each winter. Spring and autumn can be exciting as migrant waders, terns and raptors pass through. Spotted crake, water rail and willow tit all breed here, along with many common waders and ducks. Marsh harrier, hobby and peregrine are all seen regularly, with the chance of an osprey or black tern during migration.

Features

Opening Times
Open all year

Location

Ings Lane, YORK, YO19 6AS

About the area

Area image

North Yorkshire, with its two National Parks and two designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is England’s largest county and one of the most rural. This is prime walking country, from the heather-clad heights of the North York Moors to the limestone country that is so typical of the Yorkshire Dales – a place of contrasts and discoveries, of history and legend.

Explore North Yorkshire

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