Wildlife sites around Introduction

The City of York is a special place, not only for its history, buildings and archaeology, but also for its wildlife. York supports a wide variety of species and habitats many of which are of national, regional or local conservation importance. York is home to the endangered tansy beetle which until 2014 was only known to occur along stretches of the Rivers Ouse and Foss around York and .

Almost ten percent of the UK’s flower-rich ancient flood meadows are found in York. Otters and water voles can be found along the Rivers Ouse and Foss. York is also the site of the country’s most northerly example of extensive lowland heath at Common as well as hosting internationally important populations of wetland birds in the Lower Derwent Valley. The has produced this guide to a selection of easily accessible wildlife sites to be found in the York area.

We hope you will enjoy seeing some of the amazing wildlife living in York. Please respect these precious places, follow ‘The Countryside Code’ and obey any local regulations. Most of the sites are accessible using public transport or designated cycle routes.

Map of sites ...... 10 Conservation organisations ...... 18 Rivers and cycle path ...... 17 Friends groups ...... 19 The Countryside Code ...... 18 Volunteering opportunities ...... 19

Woodland Plants/flowers Access via Grassland Birds Bus Wetland Insects Footpath Heath/scrub Mammals Cycle path The Countryside CodeThe Countryside18 Code 18 Reptiles Conservation organisationsConservation18 organisations 18 Amphibians Friends groiups Friend19 s groiups 19 Fish Volunteering opportunitiesVolunteering19 opportunities 19 2 Wildlife sites around York 1 Acomb Wood and Meadow woodpeckers, tawny owls and tree Local Nature Reserve creepers have been spotted here. SE 570 494 | YO24 3XN The ground flora includes bluebells and dogs’ mercury with extensive areas of bramble. Uncommon flowers Access – Acomb Wood Drive include sanicle and twayblade. The Disabled Access – Yes site is owned and managed by the The Countryside Code 18 Regulations – keep dogs on a lead Woodland Trust. TheThe ConsCountryside Countrysideervation Code organisationsCode 18 18 18 12 and 14 Friends groiups 19 TheTheCons ConsCountryside Countrysideervationervation organisationsCode organisationsCode 18 1818 18 See www.york.gov.uk – search for 2 Askham Volunteering opportunities 19 ConsConsFriendervationFriendervations groiupss groiupsorganisations organisations1919 18 18 Acomb Wood and Meadow SE575 481 | YO23 2UB VolunVolunteeringteering opportunities opportunities 19 19 FriendFriends groiupss groiups 1919 Acomb Wood (East) is a mature, VolunVolunteeringteering opportunities opportunities 19 19 even-aged woodland dominated Access – via track adjacent to mainly by oak. Typical species include Pike Hills Golf Club The Countryside Code 18 robin, great tit, blue tit, wood mouse Disabled Access – partially accessible TheThe ConsCountryside Countrysideervation Code organisationsCode 18 18 18 and grey squirrel. via a boardwalk Friends groiups 19 TheTheCons ConsCountryside Countrysideervationervation organisationsCode organisationsCode 18 1818 18 Acomb Wood Meadow is an example Regulations – keep dogs on leads, ConsConsFriendervationFriendervationVoluns groiupss groiupsorganisationsteering organisations opportunities1919 18 18 19 of agriculturally unimproved neutral no cycling FriendFriendVolunVoluns groiupssteering groiupsteering opportunities opportunities1919 19 19 grassland. Typical flowers include 3 VolunVolunteeringteering opportunities opportunities 19 19 meadowsweet, greater birds-foot www.ywt.org.uk/nature-reserves/ trefoil, common knapweed and askham-bog-nature-reserve meadow vetchling. The meadow A small, but botanically rich site also attracts a variety of butterflies consisting of , bog and woodland. including common blue, small skipper The fen meadows are particularly and small copper. colourful in June when a profusion of water violets, marsh orchids, 1 Acomb Wood (West) ragged robin and yellow flag can be SE 570 494 | YO24 3XN seen. Birds are abundant, including woodcock, buzzard, willow and marsh tits, grasshopper and reed Access – Acomb Wood Drive warblers. A good location for Disabled Access - Yes woodland birds, roe deer and the The Countryside Code 18 Regulations – keep dogs on a lead enormous royal fern. The site is TheThe ConsCountryside Countrysideervation Code organisationsCode 18 18 18 12 and 14 Friends groiups 19 owned by Wildlife Trust. TheTheCons ConsCountryside Countrysideervationervation organisationsCode organisationsCode 18 1818 18 See www.york.gov.uk – search for ConsConsFriendervationFriendervationVoluns groiupss groiupsorganisationsteering organisations opportunities1919 18 18 19 Acomb Wood and Meadow VolunVolunteeringteering opportunities opportunities 19 19 FriendFriends groiupss groiups 1919 A small woodland which makes a VolunVolunteeringteering opportunities opportunities 19 19 welcome break in an otherwise urban landscape. Great-spotted Wildlife sites around York 3 3 Bachelor Hill, Westfield SE 567 508 | YO24 3BD

Access from Askham Lane Disabled Access - No 1 and 5a The Countryside Code 18 See www.york.gov.uk – search for TheCons Countrysideervation organisations Code 1818 Bachelor Hill Askham Bog/Trevor Walton Friends groiups 19 Conservation organisations 18 area is a beautiful place to visit for Volunteering opportunities 19 A well-hidden site which provides Friends groiups 19 panoramic views across the city walks and picnics, where there is an Volunteering opportunities 19 and as far as The Yorkshire Wolds abundance of plants and wildlife to and The North York Moors. Grassy enjoy. The pond has always been very slopes and a copse of pine trees popular with anglers and the species make this an attractive location for of fish present include roach, bream, picnics. Very unusual in York are perch, tench and pike. areas of exposed sand with clusters of evening primrose adding bright 5 Clifton Backies Local Nature splashes of colour. Part of the site Reserve has been enhanced by the addition of SE 598 543 | YO30 6PQ or YO30 6JF wildflowers transferred from a site to be developed. The Countryside Code 18 Access - Water Lane or Sutton Way Conservation organisations 18 Disabled Access - Yes Chapman’s Pond 6 and 9 The Countryside Code 18 Friends groiups 19 4 The TheCountryside Countryside Code Code 18 18 SE 579 491 | YO24 2QY Conservation organisations 18 Volunteering opportunities 19 www.cliftonbackies.org.uk Friends groiups 19 ConsTheervationCons Countrysideervation organisations organisationsCode 18 18 18 Clifton Backies contains a relatively Volunteering opportunitiesFriend 19ConsFriendservation groiupss groiups organisations19 19 18 Access – Moor Lane large area of old, agriculturally- VolunFriendVolunteerings groiupsteering opportunities opportunities19 19 19 Disabled Access – Yes unimproved grassland, together with Volunteering opportunities 19 12 and 14 thickets and hedgerows. TheThe Countryside Countryside Code Code 18 18 See www.york.gov.uk – search for The site previously formed part of TheTheCons ConsCountryside Countrysideervationervation organisationsCode organisationsCode 18 1818 18 Chapman’s Pond FriendFriends groiupss groiups 1919 Clifton aerodrome. The track verges ConsConservationervation organisations organisations 18 18 support an interesting flora. Scrubby VolunVolunteeringteering opportunities opportunities 19 19 This former clay workings is one of FriendFriends groiupss groiups 1919 the five remaining flooded brick pits areas provide valuable habitat VolunVolunteeringteering opportunities opportunities 19 19 in York. The pond is well stocked for breeding and wintering birds. with a variety of coarse fish species Short-eared owls have occasionally and has three fishing platforms. It is been seen in winter hunting over surrounded by meadow grassland the grassland and Long- eared owl and scrub woodland. This special recorded as a possible winter roost.

4 Wildlife sites around York 6 Clifton Ings 7 Fishponds Wood The Countryside CodeSE 582 18 531 | YO30 6LP SE574 518 | YO26 5JX Conservation organisations 18 TheFriend Countrysides groiups Code19 Access18 – via riverside public footpath Access – via Woodlea Avenue or and cycle route, Water End Danebury Drive ConsVolunervationteering organisations opportunities 18 19 The TheCountryside Countryside Code Code 18 18 Disabled Access – Yes Disabled Access - Yes The Countryside Code 18 ConsTheervationCons CountrysideFriendervation organisationss groiups organisationsCode 1819 18 18 Regulations – keep to the public 5 FriendFriends groiupsVoluns groiupsteering 19opportunities19 19footpath adjacent to the river or the TheCons Countrysideervation organisations Code 1818 TheThe ConsCountryside Countrysideervation Code organisationsCode 18 18 18 yorkcivictrust.co.uk/wp-content/ VolunVolunteeringteering opportunities opportunities 19 19 cycle route ConsFriendervations groiups organisations19 18 ConsConservationFriendervations groiupsorganisations organisations19 18 18 uploads/2017/06/Fishponds- 2, 19, 29, 30, 30X and 31X FriendVolunsteering groiups opportunities19 19 FriendFriendVoluns groiupss groiupsteering opportunities1919 19 Wood.pdf designatedsites.naturalengland.org. Volunteering opportunities 19 VolunVolunteeringteering opportunities opportunities 19 19 Fishponds Wood is an unusual wood uk/PDFsForWeb/ as it is the site of natural springs which Citation/2000770.pdf produce a damp woodland with water Clifton Ings is an ancient, unenclosed seeping out of the ground in several flood meadow, now also a flood places. Birds attracted to this wood storage reservoir, situated beside include long-tailed tit, goldfinch, the River Ouse a short distance bullfinch and tree creepers. Frogs upstream of York city centre. and toads are abundant in this wood. The flood meadow supports a A variety of mammals including fox, distinctive flora characterised by an pipistrelle bats and wood mouse can abundance of great burnet, meadow be seen. Butterflies are attracted buttercup, common sorrel, red to the woodland edge and include clover and meadow vetchling and red admiral, brimstone and small is nationally designated as a Site tortoiseshell. of Special Scientific Interest along with Rawcliffe Meadows. There are 8 Fulford Village Green several pairs of reed bunting and SE 608 488 | YO10 4QH meadow pipit. The river corridor and Ings provide valuable feeding habitat for bats using nursery roosts Access via Landing Lane or St at Clifton Bridge and in various trees Oswald’s Court TheThe Countryside Countryside Code Code 18 18 nearby. Disabled access – Yes TheCons ConsCountrysideervationervation organisationsCode organisations 18 18 18 Regulations – keep to the public ConsTheFriendervationFriend Countrysides groiupss groiupsorganisations Code1919 18 18 footpaths 7 and 415 FriendConsVolunVoluns ervationgroiupsteeringteering organisations opportunities opportunities19 18 19 19 VolunFriendteerings groiups opportunities19 19 Fulford Village Green is part of Volunteering opportunities 19 Fulford Ings an important example of a floodplain wetland, located on low-lying land close to Fulford Wildlife sites around York 5 Village. Characteristic flowers include 10 Hassacarr Pond Nature butterburr, meadowsweet, great Reserve Dunnington The Countryside Code 18 willowherb, meadow cranesbill and SE 673 518 | YO195PB common knapweed. The site is home Conservation organisations 18 to the rare tansy beetle, an iridescent Access via Hassacarr Lane Friends groiups 19 green beetle which is very rare in the Disabled Access – Yes Volunteering opportunities 19 UK. TheThe Countryside Countryside Code Code 18 18 45 and 45A ConsConservationervation organisations organisations 18 18 www.facebook.com/hassacarr TheTheFriend FriendCountryside Countrysides groiupss groiups Code Code1919 18 18 9 Hagg Wood, Dunnington As the name suggests, much of this ConsConsVolunervationVolunervationteeringteering organisations organisations opportunities opportunities 18 18 19 19 SE 685 525 | YO19 5NY nature reserve is occupied by a FriendFriends groiupss groiups 1919 large pond thought to date back to Access – via Intake Lane VolunVolunteeringteering opportunities opportunities 19 19 the last glaciation. The rest of the Disabled Access - Yes site comprises alder woodland, a 10, 10A, 45 and 45A meadow and other smaller ponds. The Countryside Code 18 www.fohw.org.uk The ponds are home to the great- TheTheCons CountrysideCountrysideervation organisations CodeCode 18 18 Hagg Wood is a coniferous woodland, crested newt, the largest newt found ConsConsFriendervationervations groiups organisations organisations19 18 18 with plenty of wonderful wildlife. in the UK. The reserve is a great place FriendVoluns groiupsteering opportunities19 19 Friends groiups 19 The wood provides a special home to see a variety of dragonflies and VolunVolunteeringteering opportunities opportunities 19 19 for many different types of wildlife other pond flora and fauna including including foxes, deer, and woodland the rare tubular water dropwort. birds. At different times of the year you can hear the call of woodpeckers, 11 Hob Moor Local Nature wood pigeons and cuckoos. It’s also Reserve a great place to spot bluebells in SE 5821 5042 | YO24 4PS spring, as well as primroses, yellow pimpernel, wood anemone and dog violets. The wood is managed by The Access – via Green Lane, Acomb plus other adjacent streets The Countryside Code 18 Forestry Commission and Friends of Hagg Wood Disabled Access - Yes, with RADAR TheThe CountrysideCons Countrysideervation Code organisationsCode 18 18 18 key TheConsCons CountrysideervationFriendervations organisationsgroiups organisationsCode19 1818 18 4, 16 and 24 ConsFriendFriendervationVoluns groiupss groiupsteering organisations opportunities1919 18 19 hobmoorfriends.files.wordpress. FriendVolunVolunsteering groiupsteering opportunities opportunities19 19 19 com/2015/03/hob-moor1.pdf Volunteering opportunities 19 Hob Moor is part of Micklegate Stray and is also one of York’s four Local Nature Reserves. It has been used for grazing from the mediaeval period to Hassacarr Pond/Terry Weston the present day. Today it is still used

6 Wildlife sites around York for grazing in the summer months but 13 Knavesmire Wood is also a valuable area for wildlife and SE 593 488 | YO24 1JT flora, as well as a recreational area for dog-walkers, cyclists, pedestrians, Access – via Bracken Road or The birdwatchers and many others. National Cycle Network Route 65 University of York/ Disabled Access – Yes The Countryside Code 18 Chris Sockett 21 TheTheCons CountrysideCountrysideervation organisations CodeCode 18 18 https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/ ConsConsFriendervationervations groiups organisations organisations19 18 18 visiting-woods/woods/knavesmire- FriendFriendVoluns sgroiups groiupsteering opportunities1919 19 wood/ VolunVolunteeringteering opportunities opportunities 19 19 Knavesmire Wood originated as an 18th century parkland planting, centred on an avenue of lime trees. Typical plants to found in the woodland include ivy, bramble, herb robert, wood dock, enchanter’s nightshade, wild arum, male fern and broad buckler fern. This site is also important for woodland birds with typical species including great 12 Knavesmire Grasslands spotted woodpecker, tawny owl, SE 590 493 | YO24 1QF chiffchaff, garden warbler. The wood is owned and managed by The Access – via Cherry Lane off Woodland Trust. Tadcaster Road Disabled Access - Yes 14 Mayfields Public Open Space The Countryside Code 18 4, 12, 13, 21, 840 and 843 SE 586 503 | YO24 1EY TheCons Countrysideervation organisations Code 1818 Knavesmire Grasslands runs ConsFriendervations groiups organisations19 18 along the western edge of York Access – via Nelson’s Lane, off Volunteering opportunities 19 The Countryside Code 18 Racecourse. Paths running through Friends groiups 19 Tadcaster Road Conservation organisations 18 this area make this a pleasant place Volunteering opportunities 19 The Countryside Code 18 Disabled Access – Yes for a walk and lead to Knavesmire TheFriend TheCountrysideConss groiupsCountrysideervation Code organisationsCode19 18 18 18 4, 12, 13, 840 and 843 VolunFriendteerings opportunitiesgroiups 19 19 Wood. Plants found in this area ConsTheervationCons Countrysideervation organisations organisationsCode 18 18 18 mayfieldcommunitytrust.com Volunteering opportunities 19 include gorse, bluebells, lady’s smock, FriendConsFriends ervationgroiupss groiups organisations19 19 18 common knapweed and bracken. VolunVolunteeringteering opportunities opportunities 19 19 Mayfields Public Open Space Friends groiups 19 forms a link between part of Hob Volunteering opportunities 19 Moor and The Railway Pond but is worth a visit in its own right. The

Wildlife sites around York 7 site is managed by a keen group 16 Millennium Green of volunteers. Flowers found on (Leeman Road) this site include bluebells, foxglove, SE 584524 | YO26 4XT common knapweed, meadowsweet, scabious and yellow-rattle. The site Access – via Garfield Terrace or also attracts a variety of birds and Water End butterflies including, robin, long-tailed The Countryside Code 18 Disabled Access - Yes tit, great tit, common blue, comma, Conservation organisations 18 10 The Countryside Code 18 gatekeeper and marbled white. Friends groiups 19 ConsTheervation Countryside organisations Code 18 18 leemanroadmillenniumgreen.org.uk FriendConsVoluns ervationgroiupsteering organisations opportunities19 18 19 15 Millennium Green (Poppleton) The Leeman Road Millennium VolunFriendteerings groiups opportunities19 19 SE 5645523 | YO26 6LF Green is one of York’s largest public Volunteering opportunities 19 green spaces, situated between the River Ouse and the railway line, Access – via Church Lane, The Countryside Code 18 just west of the City Centre. The Nether Poppleton Conservation organisations 18 site is managed by Leeman Road Disabled Access – Yes Millennium Green Trust who have TheThe CountrysideFriend Countrysides groiups Code Code19 18 18 10 Volunteering opportunities 19 planted trees, bulbs and wild flowers TheConsCons Countrysideervationervation organisations organisationsCode 1818 18 and encouraged wildlife by providing ConsFriendFriendervations groiupss groiups organisations1919 18 special habitats. Flowers growing on VolunVolunteeringteering opportunities opportunities 19 19 This site is one of two green spaces Friends groiups 19 created to mark the start of the new the green include purple loosestrife, Volunteering opportunities 19 millennium. The site is managed meadowsweet, meadow cranesbill by local people who have planted a and great burnet. thriving orchard. In addition to the usual garden and farmland birds, the site attracts cuckoos, reed buntings and corn buntings. A pond on the site features some colourful flowers including yellow iris, great willowherb and greater spearwort. University of York/Chris Sockett Deer, foxes and bats can also be Hassacarr Pond/seen here. Terry Weston

Wheldrake Ings/Trevor Walton

8 Wildlife sites around York 17 Moorlands brick ponds. The pond is home to a SE 578 587 | YO32 2RE good variety of large fish including carp, tench, bream, roach and rudd. Both yellow and white water lilies Access – via Moor Lane bloom in abundance in the summer Disabled Access - Yes months. Waterfowl including mallard Regulations – No dogs allowed and moorhen are frequent. The The Countryside Code 18 1, 20 40 plus surrounding woodland is managed by TheTheCons CountrysideCountrysideervation organisations CodeCode 18 18 www.ywt.org.uk/nature-reserves/ volunteers to encourage a diversity ConsConsFriendervationervations groiups organisations organisations19 18 18 moorlands-nature-reserve of woodland flowers. Volunteering opportunities 19 FriendFriends sgroiups groiups 1919 A particularly colourful nature VolunVolunteeringteering opportunities opportunities 19 19 reserve, this small woodland, part 19 Rawcliffe Bar Country Park of the ancient Forest of Galtres, SE 578 543 | YO30 5YA was planted with a collection of rhododendrons and azaleas in 1909 and is now ablaze with a succession Access – via Rawcliffe Park and of exotic blooms from March to the Ride site or Sustrans Cycle Route 65 The Countryside Code 18 Disabled Access - Yes TheThe ConsCountryside Countrysideervation Code organisationsCode 18 18 18 end of June accompanied by a carpet of snowdrop, bluebell, primrose and 2 TheConsCons CountrysideervationFriendervations groiupsorganisations organisationsCode19 1818 18 Volunteering opportunities 19 wood sorrel. The wealth of trees See www.york.gov.uk – search for ConsFriendFriendervations groiupss groiups organisations1919 18 and flowering plants in turn attract Rawcliffe Bar Country Park FriendVolunVolunsteering groiupsteering opportunities opportunities19 19 19 many species of birds and mammals, Rawcliffe Country Park as we know including common pipistrelles and Volunteering opportunities 19 it today was built to coincide with brown long-eared bats. The site the construction of Rawcliffe Park also attracts a wide variety of birds and Ride site. The grounds were including great-spotted woodpecker, landscaped, woodlands planted, and nuthatch and several species of tits. a pond installed. The pond is home to several kinds of dragonfly and The Countryside Code 18 18 The Railway Pond and damselfly. A cornfield on the site is Conservation organisations 18 Reserve a haven for wild flowers, insects and Friends groiups 19 birds such as the corn bunting. Mice Volunteering opportunities 19 and voles can be seen with a keen eye SE 587 499 | YO24 1HD out and about and you might even Access via Nelson’s Lane off spot a kestrel hunting them too! The Tadcaster Road or Aintree Court site really has really improved local The Countryside Code 18 Disabled Access – Yes biodiversity and has also provided a TheTheCons CountrysideCountrysideervation organisations CodeCode 18 18 4, 12, 13, 840 and 843 space for in which local residents can ConsConsFriendervationervations groiups organisations organisations19 18 18 The Railway Pond is one of York’s old enjoy nature. FriendFriendVoluns sgroiups groiupsteering opportunities1919 19 VolunVolunteeringteering opportunities opportunities 19 19 Wildlife sites around York 9 17

University of York/Chris Sockett

Wheldrake Ings/ Trevor Walton

Lindsey Bowes

10 Wildlife sites around York 17

Askham Bog/Trevor Walton 20 Rawcliffe Lake and www.rawcliffemeadows. Grasslands wordpress.com SE 586 545 | YO30 4YL Rawcliffe Meadows are situated along the York-Beningbrough cycle track Access – via surrounding streets (NCN route 65) and cover 25 acres of including Oakdale Road and the Clifton area floodplain. The site is Greystoke Road home to the nationally rare and very TheThe Countryside Countryside Code Code 18 18 Disabled Access – Yes beautiful tansy beetle which can be TheTheCons ConsCountryside Countrysideervationervation organisationsCode organisationsCode 18 1818 18 6 found on the site between May and July and again in September every ConsConsFriendervationFriendervations groiupss groiupsorganisations organisations1919 18 18 See www.york.gov.uk – search for year on its favoured plant, tansy. The VolunVolunteeringteering opportunities opportunities 19 19 Rawcliffe Lake FriendFriends groiupss groiups 1919 site includes many habitats ranging VolunVolunteeringteering opportunities opportunities 19 19 This small balancing lake is situated from grassland with its meadowsweet in the heart of Rawcliffe Parish and is and great burnet to wetlands with a surrounded by grassland and planted surprising range of plants including woodland. The shoreline of the lake fleabane, devil’s bit scabious and is dominated by reed sweet-grass, strawberry clover. common reed, greater reed-mace and common spike-rush. Other colourful flowers include purple loosestrife, yellow flag and marsh marigold. The lake also has some bird interest, with small numbers of overwintering Common/Trevor Walton wildfowl and is one of the few sites for breeding great crested grebe. The 22 National surrounding planting also attracts Nature Reserve migrants and overwintering finches SE 643 374 | YO19 6QL such as redpoll and lesser redpol. The Countryside Code 18 The CountrysideCons ervationCode organisations 18 18 Access - via King Rudding Lane, 21 Rawcliffe Meadows Riccall or Common Lane, Skipwith ConservationFriend organisationss groiups 18 19 The TheCountryside Countryside Code Code 18 SE 18 586 533 | YO30 5RX Disabled Access - Yes Friends groiupsVolunteering19 opportunities 19 ConsTheervationCons Countrysideervation organisations organisationsCode 18 18 18 18 VolunFriendteeringFriends groiups opportunitiess groiups 19 1919 The TheCountrysideCons Countrysideervation Code organisationsCode 18 18 18 Access – Shipton Road via track publications.naturalengland.org.uk/ VolunFriendVolunteerings groiupsteering opportunities opportunities19 19 19through Clifton Without and The Countryside Code 18 ConservationConservation organisations organisations 18 18 publication/9529076 FriendFriends groiupsVoluns groiupsteering19 opportunities19 19 Rawcliffe allotments or Sustrans TheCons Countrysideervation organisations Code 18 cycle route 65 Skipwith NNR is not only one of VolunVolunteeringteering opportunities opportunities 19 19 the most important Sites of Special TheConsFriend Countrysideervations groiups organisations Code19 1818 Regulations – Keep to the cycle path FriendVoluns groiupsteering opportunities19 19 2, 19, 29, 30, 30X and 31X Scientific Interest in Yorkshire for its Conservation organisations 18 heathland, but also for its woodland, FriendVolunsteering groiups opportunities19 19 Volunteering opportunities 19 12 Wildlife sites around York ponds, reedbed and fen. These Askham habitats support, insects, and birds, Bog/ including the rare woodlark and, Trevor nightjar, as well as plants such as marsh Walton St John’s Wort. An ancient breed of longhorn cattle, wild and hardy Hebridean sheep and Exmoor ponies plus a herd of wild fallow and roe deer now graze the Common and help to prevent silver birch regeneration. 24 Strensall Common SE 647 615 | YO32 5UZ/YO32 5YB 23 St Nicholas Fields Local The Countryside Code 18 Nature Reserve Access – via Brecks Lane The CountrysideConservation Code organisations 18 18 SE 615 518 | YO10 3ST Friends groiups 19 Disabled Access - Very limited ConsTheervation Countryside organisations Code 18 18 Regulations – Dogs must be on a lead Volunteering opportunities 19 FriendConss ervationgroiups organisations19 18 Access – via Rawdon Avenue or 5 and 5A VolunFriendteerings groiups opportunities19 19 Sustrans Cycle Route 658 TheThe Countryside Countryside Code Code 18 18 www.ywt.org.uk/nature-reserves/ The Countryside Code 18 Disabled access – Yes ConsConservationVolunervationteering organisations organisations opportunities 18 18 19 strensall-common-nature-reserve TheCons TheCountrysideervation Countryside organisationsCode Code 18 18 18 6 FriendFriends groiupss groiups 1919 ConsFriendervationConsservation groiups organisations organisations19 18 18 Strensall Common is a fabulous large The Countryside Code 18 VolunVolunteeringteering opportunities opportunities 19 19 stnicks.org.uk FriendConsVolunFriendservation groiupsteerings groiups organisations opportunities19 19 18 19 heathland close to York where the Visitors to St Nicholas Fields may pink heads and grey green leaves of VolunFriendVolunteerings groiupsteering opportunities opportunities19 19 19 not immediately realize that this cross-leaved heath intermingle with Volunteering opportunities 19 local nature reserve was formerly a the purple spikes and green foliage of rubbish tip. The area has since been ling heather. Common lizards bask on transformed and is now a wildlife the stumps of silver birch. The common haven in the centre of York. Many is home to a host of insects including birds live on or visit the nature southern hawker dragonflies and reserve and just under 20 species green and purple hairstreak butterflies. of butterflies have been recorded. Birds using the site include woodlark, Tits, finches, thrushes, robins and green woodpecker, stonechat, coal and wrens – nest on or regularly visit the willow tits. site. Water voles are present, but it needs a mixture of luck and patience to see one. Over 200 species of trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants have been recorded on the reserve including cowslips, tansy, teasel, field scabious and yarrow. Skipwith Common/Trevor Walton

Wildlife sites around York 13 25 Walmgate Stray play area. The fen habitat here SE 616 504 | YO10 5NG is associated with a -filled depression, apparently on the site of medieval fish ponds serving Acomb Access - via Wentworth Way or Grange. The marsh supports fen Heslington Lane vegetation such as sharp-flowered Disabled Access - Yes rush, meadowsweet and brown TheThe Countryside Countryside Code Code 18 18 7, 25, 26 and 415 sedge, whilst marsh marigold is also ConsConservationervation organisations organisations 18 18 The Countryside Code 18 See www.york.gov.uk – search for abundant. A flower-covered slope ConsFriendFriendervations groiupss groiups organisations1919 18 Walmgate Stray adjacent to the marsh attracts many FriendVolunVolunsteering groiupsteering opportunities opportunities19 19 19 Walmgate Stray is a remnant of colourful butterflies and other Volunteering opportunities 19 York’s historic landscape. The stray is insects. an area of marshy grassland grazed 27 Westfield Wood by cattle. Typical flowers found on SE602569 | YO32 3EZ the site include black knapweed, bird’s-foot trefoil, meadow buttercup and lady’s smock. The tall hawthorn Access – via Eastfield Avenue hedges around the stray provide Disabled Access – Yes habitat for birds such as bullfinch, 1 and 13 goldfinch, linnet and yellowhammer. www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting- TheThe CountrysideCountryside CodeCode 18 18 woods/wood/5127/westfield-wood ConsConservationervation organisations organisations 18 18 Westfield Wood is one of The FriendFriends sgroiups groiups 1919 Woodland Trust’s ‘Woods on Your VolunVolunteeringteering opportunities opportunities 19 19 Doorstep’ woodlands, created to commemorate the Millennium. Within the site are a number of old hedgerows and mature hedgerow Fulford/Jane Chapman trees, together with a small pond. Trees growing in this wood include 26 Westfield Marsh (Fen) sessile oak, ash, crack willow, field maple, whitebeam and rowan. SE 564 506 | YO26 5DR Wheldrake Ings/ Access via Grange Lane, Westfield Trevor Walton Disabled Access – Yes The Countryside Code 18 1 and 5A Conservation organisations 18 The Countryside Code 18 Westfield Marsh is a small wetland Friends groiups 19 TheCons Countrysideervation organisations Code 1818 close to Westfield School in ConsFriendVolunervations teeringgroiups organisations opportunities19 18 19 Acomb accessed via a children’s FriendVolunsteering groiups opportunities19 19 Volunteering opportunities 19 14 Wildlife sites around York 28 Wheldrake Woods Wheldrake Ings is part of a complex SE 660 470 | YO10 6NG of traditionally managed floodplain meadows which during times of flood can attract flocks of thousands of Accesss – via Broad Highway, waterfowl. In June, the meadows Wheldrake are ablaze with colour and up to Disabled Access - Yes 35 species of flowering plant can 18 plus along quiet lane be found per square metre. Plants TheThe CountrysideCountryside CodeCode 18 18 www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/ growing in the meadows include ConsConservationervation organisations organisations 18 18 visiting-woods/wood/11322/ great burnet, common knapweed, FriendFriends sgroiups groiups 1919 wheldrake-woods meadowsweet, meadow vetchling VolunVolunteeringteering opportunities opportunities 19 19 Wheldrake Woods is located close and cuckoo flower. to the City of York. It is largely coniferous, growing Corsican pine and Scots pine as well as larch and some areas of spruce and fir. There are also a great number of individual trees and small stands of oak and birch, as well as a few coniferous rarities Askham Bog/ such as a giant sequoia. There are Trevor Walton many informal footpaths throughout the wood. The woodland is locally 30 University of York designated as a Site of Importance for Heslington East Nature Conservation for the remnant SE 630 506 | YO10 5LA/YO10 5GE heathland habitat found here. Access – via Field Lane Disabled Access – Yes 29 Wheldrake Ings 66A The Countryside Code 18 SE 690 447 | YO19 6AX The Countryside Code 18 yorkbirding.org.uk/sites/ TheTheCons ConsCountryside Countrysideervationervation organisationsCode organisationsCode 18 1818 18 heslington-east ConsConsFriendervationFriendervations groiupss groiupsorganisations organisations1919 18 18 Access – via Church Lane, Wheldrake Disabled access - No This extension to the University of York FriendFriendVolunVoluns groiupssteering groiupsteering opportunities opportunities1919 19 19 The Countryside Code 18 Regulations – No dogs allowed is a developing landscape. Before 2009 Volunteering opportunities 19 TheCons TheCountrysideervation Countryside organisationsCode Code 18 18 18 Volunteering opportunities 19 18 it was arable farmland. A large lake was Friends groiups 19 excavated and the surrounding area ConsTheervationCons Countrysideervation organisations organisationsCode 18 18 18 www.ywt.org.uk/nature-reserves/ Volunteering opportunities 19 was sown with wildflowers to create FriendConsFriendservation groiupss groiups organisations19 19 18 wheldrake-ings-nature-reserve VolunVolunteeringteering opportunities opportunities 19 19 colourful meadows. 50,000 trees were Friends groiups 19 Recognised as an internationally also planted across the site. The lake Volunteering opportunities 19 important site for wetland birds, attracts a wide variety of waterfowl

Wildlife sites around York 15 including pochard, grey herons, gulls Skipwith Common/ and little grebes. The meadows attract Trevor Walton insects such as common blue and southern brown argus butterflies. Dragonflies and damselflies are becoming more abundant as the lake matures.

31 University of York - Heslington West 32 York Cemetery SE 623 505 | YO10 5DD SE 610 509 | YO10 5AJ

Access – via University Road The Countryside Code 18Disabled Access - Yes Access – via Cemetery Road The CountrysideThe Countryside Code Code 18 18 TheCons Countrysideervation organisationsCode 18 18 45, 46, 66 and 66A Disabled Access – Yes TheCons CountrysideTheervationCons Countrysideervation organisationsCode organisationsCode 18 1818 18 7, 36 and 415 TheThe ConsCountryside CountrysideFriendervations groiups Code organisationsCode 181918 18 yorkbirding.org.uk/sites/ TheCons CountrysideTheFriendervationCons CountrysideFriends ervationgroiups organisationsCodes groiups organisationsCode 1918 181918 18 Volunteering opportunities 19 yorkcemetery.org.uk/wp-content/ TheTheCons ConsCountryside CountrysideervationFriendervations groiupsorganisationsCode organisationsCode 1819181818 heslington-west ConsFriendervationConsVolunFriends ervationgroiupsteering Volunorganisationss groiupsteering organisations opportunities19 opportunities1819 1819 19 uploads/2018/01/York-Cemetery- ConsConsFriendervationFriendervationVoluns groiupss groiupsorganisationsteering organisations opportunities19191818 19 The main wildlife feature of the FriendVolunFriends groiupsteeringVoluns groiupsteering opportunities19 opportunities19 19 19 Butterfly-Trail-Dec-2017.pdf FriendFriendVolunVoluns groiupssteering groiupsteering opportunities opportunities1919 1919 university is a large lake which VolunteeringVolunteering opportunities opportunities19 19 VolunVolunteeringteering opportunities opportunities 1919 attracts a variety of waterfowl and yorkcemetery.org.uk/wp-content/ has a large population of coarse uploads/2018/01/York-Cemetery- fish. Other parts of the campus are Nature-Trail-Dec-2017.pdf managed as wildflower meadows, York Cemetery is one of only marshy ditches and other habitats two privately owned Victorian including woodland. Birds found on Cemeteries in the country. Whilst the lake include snow and barnacle still a working cemetery, the site geese, great crested grebes and is actively managed to encourage pochards. Parts of the campus have wildlife and has a butterfly walk, developed as meadows with banks of woodland glades and many other ox-eye daisy. Bee and spotted orchids features attractive to wildlife. can also be found on the campus. Foxes can often be seen roaming the grounds. A number of wildlife events are organized during the year including bat nights, butterfly walks and moth nights.

Lindsey Bowes

16 Wildlife sites around York 33 The River Ouse The 28 miles of river are home to a good range of waterbirds including kingfisher, little egret, heron, Access – multiple access points in mandarin duck, little grebe and city centre mute swan. Mammals found along The Countryside Code 18 Disabled Access – Partially Accessible the river include otters, mink and Conservation organisations 18 Regulations - Keep to public The Countryside Code 18 water voles. A good range of aquatic Friends groiups 19 footpath or Sustrans Cycle Route 65 TheCons Countrysideervation organisationsCode 18 18 plants can be seen including yellow All ConsFriendervationVoluns groiupsteering organisations opportunities19 18 19 flag, arrowhead, water plantain and FriendVoluns groiupsteering opportunities19 19 See Canalrivertrust.org.uk – search yellow water lily. Volunteering opportunities 19 for River Ouse The River Ouse is bounded by 35 York to Selby Cycle Path public footpaths leading north out SE 591474 | YO23 2RY of York to Beningbrough Hall or heading south to Bishopthorpe and beyond. The banks of the river Access – via Appleton Court, are home to the rare tansy beetle, Bishopthorpe or Sustrans cycle route The Countryside Code 18 which is now only to be found in the Conservation organisations 18 65/Trans Pennine Trail TheThe Countryside Countryside Code Code 18 18 vicinity of York. Otters are known Disabled Access – Yes Friends groiups 19 TheConsCons Countrysideervationervation organisations organisationsCode 1818 18 to be present. A variety of bats have 3 and 11 ConsFriendFriendervationVoluns groiupss groiupsteering organisations opportunities1919 18 19 breeding roosts under Clifton Bridge. Birds found along the river include www.sustrans.org.uk/ncn/map/ FriendVolunVoluns teeringgroiupsteering opportunities opportunities19 19 19 kingfisher, sand martins, cormorant route/york-to-selby Volunteering opportunities 19 and goosander. This great cycle and walking route takes you on a mainly traffic free 34 The River Foss path through the to SE 615 580 to SE 609 526 Riccall and then onwards to Selby. YO32 2SJ to YO31 8RA The route uses the trackbed of the old East Coast Mainline railway. A wide variety of flowers grow along Access – multiple access points the verges of the path including ox- Disabled Access – Partially accessible eye daisy, common knapweed, and 5, 5A, 13 and 14 birds-foot trefoil. Bee orchids can The Countryside Code 18 www.riverfosssociety.co.uk also be found in June. The flowers TheCons Countrysideervation organisationsCode 18 18 attract butterflies including common The River Foss supports a wide ConsFriendervations groiups organisations19 18 blue, gatekeeper and speckled variety of wildlife as it winds from its FriendVoluns groiupsteering opportunities19 19 wood. Birds seen along the route rural source to its urban confluence include whitethroat, blackcap and Volunteering opportunities 19 with the Ouse in York. yellowhammer.

Wildlife sites around York 17 The Conservation Countryside organisations Code Forestry Commission https://www.forestry.gov.uk/ Follow the Countryside Code to get the best enjoyment and St Nicks protect the countryside now and https://stnicks.org.uk for future generations. Sustrans Respect other people https://www.sustrans.org.uk/ • Consider the local community and other people enjoying the The Woodland Trust outdoors https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/ • Leave gates and property Yorkshire Wildlife Trust as you find them and follow http://www.ywt.org.uk/ paths unless wider access is available York Natural Environment Trust Protect the natural environment https://yorknet.wordpress.com/ • Leave no trace of your visit and take your litter home

• Keep dogs under effective Askham Bog/Trevor Walton control Enjoy the outdoors • Plan and be prepared • Follow advice and local signs

18 Wildlife sites around York Friends groups Volunteering Dunnington Conservation Group opportunities https://en-gb.facebook.com/ hassacarr Volunteer at St Nicks https://stnicks.org.uk Friends of Clifton Backies www.cliftonbackies.org.uk York Cemetery volunteers http://yorkcemetery.org.uk/ Friends of Hagg Wood volunteers.html www.fohw.org.uk Yorkshire Wildlife Trust volunteers Friends of Hob Moor www.ywt.org.uk/volunteer www.fohm.org.uk Woodland Trust volunteers Mayfields Community Trust https://mayfieldcommunitytrust. https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/ com support-us/act/volunteer-with-us/ The Conservation Volunteers Sustrans volunteers www.tcv.org.uk/yorkshire/tcv- https://www.sustrans.org.uk/ york volunteer York Greenways Friends of Rawcliffe Meadows www.yorkgreenways.org https://rawcliffemeadows. wordpress.com/about/about-us Growing Green Spaces www.growinggreenspaces.co.uk The River Foss Society www.riverfosssociety.co.uk

References City of York Biodiversity Audit 2010: A review of the biodiversity interest and sites of nature conservation importance in York City of York Local Biodiversity Action Plan 2017 York’s Green Places: an explorer’s guide to over forty parks, nature University of York/ reserves and hidden green spaces Chris Sockett Sessions Books 2006.

Wildlife sites around York 19 Why sustainable travel matters for our wildlife York’s wildlife sites are under threat and need our help. By travelling sustainably we can help to reduce the threats to our natural heritage. By choosing to visit wildlife sites by bus, car-sharing, bicycle or on foot you can: Reduce air pollution which harms wildlife as well as people. Reduce the risk of wildlife sites being damaged by more frequent floods, droughts and heatwaves. Reduce the noise caused by traffic. Many species of wildlife avoid noisy roads. Reduce the number of animals killed on our roads. Millions of birds are killed every year after colliding with cars. A free day out All sites listed in this guide are free to visit.

Photo-credits Thanks to Lindsey Bowes, Jane Chapman, Chris Sockett, Trevor Walton, Terry Weston, and everyone else who supplied photographs for this booklet. Acknowledgements Thanks to everyone who provided Lindsey Bowes information about the wildlife sites covered in this booklet.

20 Wildlife sites around York