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Description
With over 200 species of birds, Nosterfield Nature Reserve on the site of old sand and gravel quarries, is recognized as North Yorkshire's best wetland grassland site for birds. It has 150 acres of wet grassland and open water situated between the Rivers Ure and Swale between the villages of West Tanfield and Nosterfield, about 6.5 miles north of Ripon. It is the underlying magnesian limestone and its associated aquifer which makes the location special. A dramatic rise and fall in the water levels, associated with the natural water table and rainfall, results in a huge range in water levels, typically 2.5 m per year.
Sand and gravel were produced from a former quarry here until the late 1980s. It was designated a reserve in 2001. Among the breeding birds are Corcodel mic, Rață lingurar, Rață cârâitoare, Ciocîntors, Culic mare, Fluierar cu picioare roșii and Scoicar. Other birds you can see include Ploier auriu, Prundăraș gulerat mic, Prundăraș gulerat mare, Ciocârlie, Silvie mică, Silvie cu cap negru, Presură sură, Presură de stuf and Presură galbenă. Also many rarities have been seen in the area. Three purpose-built hides allow the public to watch wildlife at close quarters and each is connected by a pedestrian walkway which is fully accessible for those with mobility issues.
Details
Access
The Reserve lies approximately 10 km (6.5 miles) north of Ripon and 1.5 km (1 miles) north-east of West Tanfield. From the A1 exit for Ripon (from south) or Bedale (from North). Car park postcode DL8 2QZ. The site can be accessed on foot at all times. Viewing area below the car park, where you can overlook the Reserve from your car (this area has no pedestrian access and people are asked to stay within their vehicles, in order to minimise disturbance to wildlife). There is wheelchair access to the Interpretation Building/Bird Hide, Tanfield Hide and Northern Viewing Screen. There are no toilets or refreshment areas on site.