Sherburn Willows Nature Reserve

Lying on Upper Magnesian Limestone this reserve of 2.8 hectares consists of a very dry steep slope with shallow soil which runs down to a small marshy area adjacent to the Mill Dyke (otherwise known as Newthorpe Beck). The stream forms the western boundary to the reserve. The underlying rocks are exposed in a small quarry near the reserve entrance.

There is a small area of hawthorn scrub but the remainder is mown or grazed to maintain the open grassland. Purple milk-vetch is limited to one area. Sainfoin, long known on the Willows, seems to have increased a little and there is also a small amount of pale St John’s-wort. In some years there is a good display of common spotted-orchid, bee orchid and twayblade. Other species include ox-eye daisy, cowslip, hairy violet and scabious. In the marsh, near the stream, grow common meadow rue and purple loosestrife along with several members of the sedge family. In recent years water levels have fallen considerably, encouraging the replacement of common reed by great willowherb and meadowsweet.

Small tortoiseshell butterflies are common and painted ladies regularly seen. Day-flying Mother Shipton and cinnabar moths also frequent the reserve. Birdlife, though not spectacular, is of interest. The most obvious species are skylark and corn bunting.

Directions

Sherburn Willows is situated about two miles north-east of the A1-A63 junction and about one mile from the centre of Sherburn in Elmet.

Half-a-mile from the traffic lights on LOw Street in Sherburn travelling south towards south milford turn right along New Lane. The reserve is at the end of this road. Park immediatley beyond the end of the houses and continue on foot along the farm track. Turn left through the field gate and the reserve is a few yards further on.