England · five wildlife sites

Nature reserves & wildlife sites in North Yorkshire

Explore these places for wildlife in North Yorkshire. Seasonal notes suggest when to look; sightings are not guaranteed.

01 / 05

Nosterfield

Near Nosterfield.

Habitat: Shallow lakes and wet grassland on a former sand and gravel quarry.
Wildlife to look for: Lapwing, golden plover (autumn and winter), wigeon (winter), teal (winter) and kingfisher.

02 / 05

Near Staveley, near Boroughbridge.

Habitat: Lagoons, reedbeds and fen surrounded by grassland and hay meadows.
Wildlife to look for: Otter, roe deer, barn owl, common tern (spring and summer) and goldeneye (winter).

03 / 05

Near Copmanthorpe, near York.

Habitat: Peatland with fen, ponds and wet woodland on the edge of York.
Wildlife to look for: Roe deer, nuthatch, treecreeper, emperor dragonfly (summer) and woodcock (winter).

04 / 05

Near Goathland.

Habitat: A deep valley mire bordered by wet heath, moorland and streams.
Wildlife to look for: Adder (spring to autumn), whinchat (spring and summer), small pearl-bordered fritillary butterfly (early summer), large heath butterfly (early summer) and golden-ringed dragonfly (summer).

05 / 05

Near Grassington.

Habitat: Woodland growing over limestone scars, pavement and rocky slopes in Wharfedale.
Wildlife to look for: Roe deer, wood warbler (spring and summer), pied flycatcher (spring and summer), redstart (spring and summer) and tree pipit (spring and summer).