North Newbald Becksies

This small wetland reserve in the southern Yorkshire Wolds is fed by several clear chalk springs, with flourishing flowers through the spring and summer months, and snipe in the winter.

Location

North Newbald,
Beverley Road

Market Weighton

East Riding of Yorkshire

YO43 4SQ

OS Map Reference

SE917371

View on What3Words

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Know before you go

Size

2 hectares

Entry fee

Parking information

There is no official car park but a grass verge can accommodate four cars It sits on a quiet country road with little traffic. From verge to entrance is about 50m.

Grazing animals

Yes - cattle are used to graze the pastures during the summer

Walking trails

This is a very small wetland site with visitor access but no designated footpaths. It is very wet underfoot all year round and wellington boots are advised.

Ecologically it is an important reserve and studied by naturalists and botanists.

There are two kissing gates onto the reserve.

Access

Limited access for wheelchair users as there are no defined footpaths.

Dogs

No dogs permitted

When to visit

Opening times

Open at all times

Best time to visit

March to September

About the reserve

The waters of the Becksies have two stand-out features: the springs have almost never been known to dry up, and the water is a constant 9°C all year. You can see it steaming on cold winter mornings.

Pop on your wellies and see what you can find. In spring, look for cowslip, marsh marigold, cuckooflower, water avens and the locally rare bogbean. Summer's showcase includes honey-scented meadowsweet, marsh orchid, lady's-mantle and yellow rattle. In autumn, search for the purple flowers of devil's-bit scabious.

Accessibility and facilities

There's a cafe and toilets at Drewton's farm shop nearby, or facilities in Market Weighton.

Please note there is very poor phone signal across this reserve.

Habitat

Wetlands

Environmental designation

Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)

Seasonal highlights

Spring: Plants - Cuckooflower; Water avens; Bogbean; Marsh marigold; Inverterbrates - Orange-tip
Summer: Plants - Marsh orchids; Lady's mantle; Watercress; Fool's water-cress; Meadowsweet
Autumn: Plants - Devil's-bit scabious
Winter: Birds- Snipe

History

The marsh was originally used for pasturing cattle from the village while they were waiting to be milked and as such is classed as common land. Today, a small number of cattle are used to assist with site management through summer grazing.

Directions

Public transport

Irregular bus service from Market Weighton to North Newbald village.

By car

Just east of North Newbald village on the south side of the Beverley road, five miles south of Market Weighton. Park considerately in the village (or arrive by bus), and then walk the short distance to the site.

Magic Wildlife Moment

A glimpse of a water vole or water shrew on the stream

Stunning autumnal colours Grass Wood - TOS Sara

The autumn colours were even more beautiful when the sun came out

Photo Credit - Telling our Story Volunteer, Sara

Let’s go wild for Yorkshire's wildlife!

From the heights of Ingleborough to the tip of Spurn, our nature reserves are a home (often the only home) to Yorkshire’s rarest and most incredible wildlife. Will you help us continue our work and provide these vital sanctuaries for nature?