North Cliffe Wood Nature Reserve

North Cliffe Wood has been owned by the Trust since 1982. It was given to the Trust by the family of Bryan Burstall.

There is evidence to indicate that before this 35 hectare wood was drained in the 1870s, the most numerouse tree was alder. Oak probably occurred on the drier parts or the reserve, with more being planted after it was drained. Apart from a small stand on the eastern side, the larger oaks were felled in 1921. The most common tree now is birch, but alder, oak and rowan are also still common.

As a consequence of draining, bracken has spread and dominates the ground flora over about half of the reserve. Typical woodland species such as bluebell, primrose, wood sorrel and dog’s mercury are widespread. Climbing fumitory, a species rare in east Yorkshire, is also abundant in the wood.

More than 170 species of flowering plant, five species of fern, more than 50 species of bryophyte and over 60 species of macro-fungus have been recorded. Breeding birds include six species of tit, garden warbler, sparrowhawk and great spotted woodpecker. Since the site was acquired as a reserve, 55 species of bird, 18 species of butterfly and more than 150 species of moth have been recorded. Roe deer are often present and rabbits, once common, are now rare and as a result bramble has spread widely.

Situated on postglacial lacustrine sand overlying Mercia Muds at an altitude of about 7m OD the reserve lies on the eastern side of the Plain of York. The soil is an acid sandy gley belonging to the Everingham series. A walk around the whole reserve is approximately one-and-a-half miles. As an alternative, a footpath crosses the reserve just south of the entrances.

The Trust has been concentrating on restoring two areas of grass heath and much effort has been directed towards preventing the spread of bracken. Trees have been planted and maintained where bracken was inhibiting regeneration and bracken has been removed to promote natural regeneration. To preserve a small area of reedswamp willow has also been felled and coppiced.

The woodland between the north-eastern section of the footpath and North Cliffe Lodge is strictly private.

Directions

North Cliffe Woods is located on Sand Lane, following Cliffe Lane off the A614 Market Weighton road, about three-quarters of a mile from the village of North Cliffe, south of Market Weighton. The reserve is on the south side of the road. There is an entrance at both the north-east and north-west corners. Park in the lay-bys east of the eastern and western entrances. The woodland between the north-eastern section of the footpath and North Cliffe Lodge is strictly private. A walk around the whole reserve is approximately one-and-a-half miles. As an alternative, a footpath crosses the reserve south of the entrances.