North Newbald Becksies Nature Reserve

The reserve is an undulating chalk, spring-fed flush, contrasting with the well-drained, predominantly arable land surrounding it. A thick mantle of peaty soil overlies the chalk beneath. The site is crossed by a series of shallow streams and is generally wet or boggy, but has drier margins. Historically, the Becksies were used for watering and grazing cattle, and so a herb-rich sward developed with a mosaic of wetland and chalk-grassland plants. Since grazing ceased some 25 years ago, scrub and coarse vegetation have invaded the site, aided by falling water levels.

There are still large areas of sward, grazed by rabbits, and although in some years the springs are dry, many typical plant species are still present. The wetter patches have a good cover of bogbean, marsh valerian and marsh-marigold in spring and a spendid population of devil's-bit scabious flowers in early autumn. The becks contain water-cress, fool’s water-cress, brooklime and blue water-speedwell, and are bordered by water figwort and common fleabane. On the higher areas cowslips and yellow-rattle are common. There is usually a good show of marsh and common spotted-orchids, as well as common twayblade. Invertebrates are not well studied, but a number of beetles and parasitic wasps have been recorded.

The Trust has been working to re-introduce grazing, which until recently has only been possible after the installation of a stock-proof fence. Management includes scrub clearance and regular cutting of coarse vegetation. The reserve is leased by the Trust from North Newbald Parish Council.

Directions

The reserve is approximately five miles south of Market Weighton. Its is on the eastern outskirts of the village of North Newbald, on the south side of Beverley Road. There is no provision for car parking but the road is reletively quiet most of the time. However the reserve is within easy walking distance of village.

There are two points of access through small gates but no specific paths. The ground is usually very wet and wellingtons are considered essential.