Allerthorpe Common Nature Reserve

We are aware that our neighbours at Allerthorpe Common have implemented essential habitat works designed to provide long term benefits for the site’s wildlife. Although the timing of these works is not ideal we have been assured that they have been planned to minimise to minimise short term impacts on wildlife and people using the site.

Allerthorpe Common lies on an ancient landscape of river and lake sands which were deposited 10-12,000 years ago.

Allerthorpe Common’s background has led to the formation of acidic soils upon which a variety of habitats have shaped including wet and dry heath, mire, grassland and woodland. The range of habitats support a great number of species, in particular invertebrate species with over two hundred different species of moth and 150 species of spider.

Reptiles and amphibians are also found on the reserve, it being a particularly good site to see adders and lizards, particularly in the month of February during warmer days when they emerge from hibernation and they are easy to spot amongst the bracken and heather. A misunderstood species, the adder is the only venomous snake in the United Kingdom, but it is a discrete and shy creature and will only react when threatened. In other habitats dragonflies and damselflies such as the four-spotted chaser and black darter are found around the ponds. Marsh cinquefoil and common cottongrass are found in wet mire conditions, whereas purple moor-grass is found in the drier areas.

To ensure this mix of habitats and the species that rely on them is protected we undertake a considerable amount of management on site, particularly to maintain the heathland communities. The main tasks we undertake include controlling birch scrub, purple moor-grass and bracken. Some of this is done by hand but we also employ the help of Hebridean sheep and Highland cattle to graze the land!

Directions

The reserve is situated ten miles east of York, off the A1079 York-Hull road. Turn right off the A1079 following the sign to Sutton-upon-Derwent and Thornton. Parking is about half-a-mile along this lane on the right. Cross the road and walk along the track past Forest Enterprise gate. Follow the ride on the left until you come to a junction with a line of pylons. The reserve is along the track to the right. The main gate and stile are located in the north-east corner of the reserve.