Yorkshire Wildlife Trust

North Cave Wetlands

North Cave Wetlands was acquired by the Trust in 2000 and a great deal of work has been undertaken to create a reserve that supports over 170 species of breeding, wintering and passage birds, 200 plant species and 24 butterfly species. A variety of habitats are managed by controlling the water levels. One lake has been planted with reeds to create an extensive reedbed, which will provide summer breeding for reed warblers and reed buntings. Another lake provides an ideal breeding ground for ringed plover, little ringed plover, oystercatcher, redshank and avocet. Shallow mud ledges are an ideal feeding area for waders and dabbling ducks, and diving ducks such as goldeneye, pochard and smew all use the deeper water.

Sand cliffs provide nesting habitat for sand martins and kingfishers, whilst ground nesting birds such as skylark, meadow pipit and redshank breed in the grassland areas. Hedgerows of hawthorn, blackthorn, and elm, together with an alder woodland, provide food and shelter for wintering goldfinch, redpoll and siskin. An area of cereal crops that is planted but not harvested, supports finches, buntings and tree sparrows in winter. Hobby, merlin and peregrine falcon all hunt over the reserve throughout the year. Common blue, small skipper and wall brown butterflies are seen frequently and several species of dragonfly have been recorded including migrant hawker and four-spotted chaser.

Reserve Management

• Water levels on the reserve are controlled throughout the year via a system of sluices. The water is highest in the winter months, covering the islands and killing off the vegetation. It is then slowly lowered to reveal bare mud to provide feeding areas for migrating waders.
• The grassland areas are mown annually in late summer after the breeding lapwings have fledged their young.
• The cereal field is ploughed at the beginning of spring to re-seed the field; it is left unploughed over winter to provide food for passerines.

Faciltities

• Permissive footpaths
• Car parking along Dryham Lane
• Refreshments available at the Wild Bird Cafe, see www.thewildbird.co.uk for details
• Three viewing hides, two of which are suitable for wheelchair access

Members' Tips

If your after a quick snack there is now a mobile food stand called the 'Wild bird' on Dryham lane (where the parking is). Its usually open 7 days a week and is very popular. There is also access to toilet facilities on site for a small donation (to cover costs).

Printable PDF

A printable PDF giving information on the reserve and a map of the site can be downloaded by clicking here.