Ripon City Wetlands is a natural floodplain next to Ripon Racecourse, east of Ripon. Formed from former gravel workings, a modern wetland nature reserve has been created in the footprint of the quarry.

The site lies between the River Ure which sometimes floods the site, and the Ripon Canal.

Large numbers of wildfowl and waders are attracted to the site, including tufted ducks, teal, gadwall and shoveler. In spring, the purpose-built reedbeds are alive with the songs of warblers, while flocks of sand martins fly overhead seeking insects.

Riverside Lagoon

At the lagoon the wildlife varies depending on the season, so sit and enjoy the view from our viewing screen…

From here you can hear sedge and reed warblers singing in the spring, and watch flocks of redwings feeding on hawthorn berries in autumn.

In winter, ducks like mallard, teal and shoveler play in the shallows, while flocks of curlew, lapwing and greylag geese rest. Panic may signal the arrival of a fox, or a passing buzzard or sparrowhawk. In spring and summer, willow warbler and reed bunting song fills the air, as swallows and sand martins weave through the skies looking for insects.

Damselflies and dragonflies abound on sunny days. Look out for chubby broad-bodied chasers and elegant common blue damselflies as well as hobby's looking for a quick snack. In autumn, check the muddy edges for migrating wading birds like green sandpipers, greenshanks and little ringed plovers.

Canal Reedbed

This 21st century wetland was designed by Middlemarch Environmental and constructed by Aggregate Industries to attract birds like bitterns, marsh harriers and reed warblers.

The large reedbed is bordered by a fen meadow strip full of wildflowers (like hemp agrimony and yellow flag), which attract bees and butterflies. Watch out for kingfishers as they often feed in the open water areas. Otters have been seen, so keep an eye out for them too!

Ripon City Wetlands is managed by Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and leased from Ripon Race Company and JK Rogers & Sons.

By foot - The nature reserve is mainly accessed from the car park – see below. Alternatively, you can access via the canal towpath, having walked south from Ripon, or enter over Renton’s Bridge, accessed off Green Lane, Littlethorpe, HG4 3LR (approx.).

By public transport - There is a bus stop for the Racecourse on the B6265 just west of the site entrance.

By car - Access to the main car park is granted by kind permission from Ripon Racecourse but is locked 4pm-9am.

The nature reserve is just south of the B6265 east of Ripon. From A61 in Ripon head east on the B6265 towards Boroughbridge and the A1.

After 1.1km turn right into the entrance, signed Ripon City Wetlands and Ripon Racecourse. After 150m, bear left into the car park for the nature reserve.

If arriving from the A1, follow the B6265 for  around 6km, until you cross over the River Ure. Take the first left turn (after 150m) into the entrance.

The entrance has two large YWT signs marking it. Follow the track leading from the southwest corner of the car park to enter the reserve.

If you want to visit the reserve after 5pm, please park in the car park between the main entrance and the bridge over the Ure off the B6265. Take the short well-trodden path along the river onto the reserve. The route is dark after sunset, please watch your step, and consider taking a torch

Wetlands are areas of land which become partly, or fully, flooded at certain times of the year. They are dynamic and everchanging landscapes that are important for wildlife and people.

Ripon City Wetlands is located in a natural floodplain. When the local River Ure bursts its banks, the water pours onto our wetland habitat. The water is held here before it slowly flows back into the watercourses when the river levels have dropped.

Thanks to wetlands, the flow of water is slowed down before it reaches our towns and cities, reducing the risk of flooding.

Incredible ecological benefits

• Climate emergency lifeline – Wetlands store huge amounts of carbon
• Protecting our homes and our livelihoods – Wetlands store water and provide a natural way to prevent flooding in local towns and villages across Yorkshire
• A home for Yorkshire’s wildlife – Wetlands offer food and shelter for a wide variety of animals
• Free filtration service – Wetlands naturally clean flood water by trapping sand, mud and pebbles
• A place to escape – Wetlands offer a place for us to relax, unwind and connect with nature.

Spring

Invertebrates - Brimstone butterfly

Amphibians - Toad

Birds – Sand martin; willow warbler; sedge warbler; lapwing; little ringed plover; tufted duck; mute swan

Summer

Plants – Ragged robin

Invertebrates – Common blue damselfly

Birds – green sandpiper

Autumn

Birds – Teal; snipe; curlew; redwing

Winter:

Mammals – Brown hare; fox

There are two parking bays for people with mobility difficulties in the heart of the reserve. The bays can be accessed by opening the metal farm gate in the corner of the car park, which has a radar lock. Registered disabled people can obtain a radar key for this purpose. Once through the gate (please lock behind you), drive to the far end of the gravel track, turn left, and the bays are 20m on your left.

Once at the bays, the trails are surfaced so are accessible to wheelchairs, and both hides have viewing for people in wheelchairs.

Good Access Award

In 2021 we were delighted to receive the Good Access award from Open Country in recognition of our work to improve accessibility at Ripon City Wetlands. With the help and advice of our dedicated volunteers and supporters we were able to resurface our car park, install blue badge parking, new gates, and an accessible shelter.

Thank you to everyone that supported us to make Ripon City Wetlands more accessible to everyone.