Pulfin Bog Nature Reserve

The reserve lies at about 3m AOD on a substratum of deep peat (2.5m or more) overlying a grey plastic clay. The springs that penetrate the peat, to emerge at the surface in various places, no doubt rendered past attempts at drainage ineffective. Recent research suggests that the river was diverted from a course crossing the reserve to its present course when the Beverley and Barmston Drain was excavated.

In most winters the reserve is periodically flooded. The vegetation at Pulfin Bog is very dependent upon the water table. In periods of drought such as 1989-92 the vigour of the common reed is seriously affected resulting in its decline. In periods of wetter weather it recovers remarkably and can dominate the southern part of the reserve. However, many other common fenland plants such as common meadow-rue, common valerian and marsh woundwort have survived. Patches of scrub occur, most of them dominated by grey willow, but bay willow is also present.

The opening of one of the springs has been greatly enlarged, to form a pool to provide a habitat for aquatic plants and animals. Reed bunting, reed warbler and sedge warbler regularly breed. Roe deer commonly lie-up on the reserve. The Trust maintains a high water table to encourage the growth of the reedbed south of the Old Drain, with low intensity grazing being introduced to the grassland and glyceria swamp on the remaining area. Mr G Cullington transferred the freehold of this site to the Trust in 1980.

Directions

Pulfin Bog lies about two miles north-east of Beverley. The nearest parking is at Hull Bridge, on the old part of the A1035. From Beverley take the A1035 eastwards and after crossing the River Hull, turn right for Tickton, then right again immediately afterwards. Park on the roadside near the footbridge over the river. Walk north along the public footpath on the east bank of the river for about one-and-a-half miles until a large lake is reached. Turn left along the bank between the lake and the river, then right on reaching a row of trees. The reserve starts where the trees end.