A former gravel working now managed as a private nature reserve. Several lakes are surrounded by reedbeds and scrub.
Bellflask Quarry
read more
Copgrove Lakes
tbd
Eavestone Lake
A secluded lake and surrounding mixed woodland.
Farnham Gravel Pits
Formerly gravel workings, the south lake is managed by the Society as a private nature reserve. Access is restricted to Society members only.
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal
Extensive parkland with many mature specimen trees, ornamental lake and stream.
Glasshouses Mill Dam
A millpond created by damming the River Nidd, with a variety of waterfowl.
Gouthwaite Reservoir
A compensation reservoir for the River Nidd, which is managed as a nature reserve by Yorkshire Water. It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its breeding wildfowl and passage and wintering birds.
Haverah Park & Beaver Dyke Reservoir
Mixed farmland and the small Beaver Dyke Reservoir (also called John o’ Gaunt’s Reservoir due to the proximity of John o’ Gaunt’s Castle ). There is a path around the reservoir taking in the pathway over the dam. Two benches on the north side offer a good vantage point over the water (there is no access to the water’s edge). The larger lower reservoir was drained in 2015.
Hay-a-Park Gravel Pits
A large, flooded former gravel pit and several smaller lagoons, with reedbeds, grassland and scrub.
Leighton and Roundhill Reservoirs
Two reservoirs that host a selection of waterfowl in the winter.
Lumley Moor Reservoir
A reservoir with interesting aquatic and marsh flora. The reservoir is owned by Yorkshire Water and is used to top up Swinsty Reservoir when necessary.
Marfield Wetlands
A former sand and gravel working with lakes, ponds and surrounding fen, wet grassland and woods.
Nosterfield Local Nature Reserve
Originally a gravel quarry, the site has wet grassland and lakes over magnesian limestone. Three birds hides are open during daylight working hours.
Nosterfield Quarry
Previous gravel workings and surrounding farmland, incorporating Flasks & Kiln Lakes and Nosterfield Reedbed.
Plumpton Rocks
Historic, landscaped woodland with a wide variety of trees and a large lake; spectacular outcrops of Millstone Grit.
Ripley Castle Deer Park and Lakes
Two large, shallow lakes, formed by damming the Thornton Beck, which date back more than two centuries, set in open parkland with scattered, mature trees. The Castle has a walled garden.
Ripon City Wetlands
Recently acquired by Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, this area of lakes (former gravel workings) and surrounding reedbeds is a favourite birdwatching site.
Scar House & Angram Reservoirs
Two large reservoirs and surrounding boulder-strewn hillsides with rough grassland and moorland on the higher slopes. There is some mixed woodland below Scar House dam.
Staveley Nature Reserve
Two large, flooded former gravel pits, fringed with rushes, along with several small pools and drainage channels. Some extensive grassland and small areas of woodland.
Swinsty Moor and Reservoir
Swinsty Moor Plantation and the adjoining Swinsty Reservoir have a variety of coniferous plantations, mixed woodlands and open water.
Members Area
View the Society's latest publications in this area of the website reserved for Members.
Trip Reports
View a detailed roundup of all our Field Trips in the Harrogate District and beyond.
Latest News
The latest wildlife news from around the Harrogate District that may be of interest to naturalists.