Saltmarshe Delph Nature Reserve

Saltmarshe Delph Nature Reserve was established in 1972 and is now owned by the Trust. Sitting in an area of rich farmland the Hull to Doncaster railway line and roads form its boundaries. The reserve of approximately 5.5 hectares is in two parts: 4 hectares to the south-east of the railway line and 1.5 hectares to the north. About half is open water and the remainder a mixture of reedbeds and open pools. The open water has an average depth of 1.5 metres.

The reedbeds consist mainly of common reed, bulrush and lesser bulrush (or reed mace). Strange as it may sound one of the most interesting things about the reserve is its water, which is rich in nutrients. This causes excessive plant growth, which gives rise to a large and varied micro-fauna.

One hundred and twenty six species of bird have been recorded since 1974 including 10 species of duck, notably teal and pochard. Great crested and little grebes have also bred. Other sightings have included bearded tit, bittern, marsh harrier, osprey, great reed warbler, garganey - the only summer visiting duck, water rail, green sandpiper and cormorant. Mammals found on the reserve include water vole and harvest mouse. The bittern could, with luck, be seen on passage in winter. The Trust works to control the encroachment of willow, keeping the ponds and reedbeds in their present form and condition.

Directions

Saltmarshe Delph is about two and-a-half miles south-east of Howden. By car, turn off the A614 at the roundabout signed Kilpin and Laxton. Take the Skelton road and proceed through the village. Turn left away from the River Ouse just before the railway swing bridge. The reserve is about 400 yards along the road to Saltmarshe. The gate to the main pond is on the left just after passing under the railway bridge. Park on the lane on the left about another 300 yards further on. The main pond can be viewed from this lane or the road. A gate by the railway bridge gives access to a path to a viewing hide. For the Willow Garth section, walk back under the bridge and the entrance is on the left through the hedge, after about 90 yards.