44) North Cave Wetland YWT, Dryham Lane, Brough, East Yorkshire, HU15 2LY
North Cave Wetlands is a former quarry in the East Riding Of Yorkshire. As sections are made available they are taken on by the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust - and returned back to places for nature to thrive. Large parts of the quarry will be added to this reserve making it even better.
Many amazing species nest, roost, feed and drop in to the site, you really do not know what you might see during your visit.
Distance:
My route is circular and is 1.85 miles long.
Terrain:
The car park is a wide country lane, two disabled bays are marked out - but be careful how you position your vehicle as people park close together.
The road is ok for wheelchairs etc - once in the actual reserve then the path is grassed - a few tree roots, a few rather bumpy bits -largely due to the activities of rabbits etc. All gates are wide, no stiles.
Facilities on site:
The site is free to visit. there are two disabled toilets onsite - the key is available from the mobile canteen that operates most days, generally closing at 2;30pm. The reserve is open but check on what time the gate is to be locked - it will state a time on the gate. You can access the site when the gate is locked using the bridleway access but if you are staying after the gates get locked and your vehicle is locked in- well you will be stuck. Dogs are not allowed onto the actual nature reserve unless its an accredited guide or assistance dog in a service jacket
Route:
I always go down the main track to the bottom elevated hide, on the way to this there is a hide on your right - and a couple of viewing points on your left. There is a ramp to the elevated lagoon hide on the left at the end. Sadly closed due to covid but do check the website for further information.
From this hide head back the way you approached - you will see wide gate on your left. Enter the reserve here and follow the well worn and obvious path. You get great views of the lagoon on your right , and views of the quarry on your left. At the end bear right and this brings you along the rear of the lagoon.
There is an open hide on your right and a few ponds to study. Keep going and bear right - soon you come to a path on your right - this leads to a hide that is accessed up steps. Even if you are unable do step travel along this as you often get smaller birds and raptors overhead. Head back the way you came and bear right at the end - this takes you along the side of the lagoon - some nice viewing points and a further accessible hide (if open due to covid). Keep on this path and soon you come out back on the lane were you parked the car. I always finish my visit with a cup of tea and a slice of cake from the canteen wagon, sitting in the open lagoon hide watching the wildlife below.
What might you see:
Expect anything during your visit as it is often a high activity site. Lots of various geese, fowl, occasionally rarer birds fly in, Egret, Heron, Harriers, Spoonbill, Ospey, Crane, waders, Avocet, Hobby, Merlin. There are also stoat, Hares and rabbits living on the reserve. The reserve also has cattle and sheep in the adjoining fields. In summer lots of insects and dragonfly etc.
