Ripon Loop Nature Reserve

The nature reserve is part of Ripon Parks SSSI and contains a mosaic of habitats including running water, riverbanks, shingle shoals, scrub, woodland, marsh, natural ponds and pasture. Associated with these varied habitats are large numbers of plant species. Wetland species include marsh cinquefoil and narrow buckler fern. Adjoining woodlands support primrose, bluebell and the nationally scarce yellow-star-of-Bethlehem. The woodlands themselves range from ash, field maple and hazel to willow carr. The grassland in the reserve is noted for its population of thistle broomrape – this very rare parasitic plant is found only in Yorkshire. Its cream coloured flower spikes, up to 60 cm tall, can be seen in summer and the plant produces thousands of tiny seeds. However the population is extremely variable. In some years there will be hundreds of flower spikes, but in others only a handful. The plant has no green leaves.

The banded demoiselle damselfly has been recorded here and the many shingle areas are known to support a range of nationally-important insect species. Craters in the main grassland area, caused by subsidence due to the dissolution of underlying gypsum deposits, create natural ponds providing homes for smooth and great crested newts. Breeding birds include dipper, kingfisher, little ringed plover and reed bunting, while wintering species number whooper swan, green sandpiper and large flocks of thrushes. The site also supports an extensive sand martin colony.

Establishing a traditional grazing regime is improving the quality of the grassland, which has declined in recent years. Although thistles are needed by the parasitic plant thistle broomrape, some ongoing control is necessary to prevent the grassland becoming dominated by thistle at the expense of other grasses and wildflowers.

Visitors should be careful in times of high river flow as flooding is particularly common.

Directions

Ripon Loop lies north of Ripon. Take the A6108 road towards Masham out of Ripon. About 1/4 mile after leaving the city Ripon Golf Club will be on the right. Take a right turn by the Club House. After 1/2 mile there is a turning to the right about 100 yeards fter the turning to the South Parks farm. Park at the junction and walk down the tarmac road. The reserve entrance is 600 yeards down this road but parking is not permitted.