.JPG "The calm lagoon at Staveley - Credit Paul Fox")
The calm lagoon at Staveley - Credit Paul Fox
Fen meadow, brim full of wild flowers and beautiful orchids... Willow Wood alive with insects and birds... the large tranquil lagoon, home to breeding wildfowl and rare species of dragonfly. Staveley has long been popular with naturalists, ramblers and dogwalkers for its wonderful variety of wildlife: we are working hard to keep it that way, for future generations to enjoy and explore
Staveley Nature Reserve is a hidden gem, but despite its quiet tranquillity it is now one of the largest Nature Reserves managed by the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust. Thanks to a generous grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund the Trust has been able to double the size of this wonderful reserve, through the purchase of adjoining land that was previously farmed and quarried. The funding has also made it possible to employ a Community Outreach Officer who oversees a project which aims to raise awareness of the reserve. This includes improvements to the site to help visitors enjoy the huge range of birds, wildflowers and insects on display.
company team building days, school nature clubs, and photography workshops ... are all available at Staveley
The Trust aims to provide on-site parking for our visitors along with hugely improved viewing facilities. Two new hides will be built, with one large enough to accommodate a class of school children. Around two and a half kilometres of surfaced footpaths, ideal for wheelchair access around the reserve will also be provided.
Through walks and talks, volunteering and school visits there have already been over one thousand people engaged in the Community Outreach Project. From company team building days, to school nature clubs through to wildlife watching events and photography workshops there are numerous and varied opportunities for people to get involved at Staveley. The project is also helping to revive countryside skills such as hedgelaying while creating additional habitats (for example the new orchard) which will benefit both people and wildlife alike.
Contact
Email Community Outreach Officer Carl Watts for more information about the project and the exciting regular events which we organise at the reserve.
