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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 have and will be added to this reserve making it even better.
https://www.ywt.org.uk/nature-reserves/north-cave-wetlands-nature-reserve
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 a few bumps and its dusty when dry- once in the actual reserve then the path is well made and wide - a few tree roots, a few rather bumpy bits -largely due to the activities of rabbits etc.
The path has recently been much improved, from the gate by the toilets then the path which is hardened takes you past a couple of hides. An elevated viewing area has now been created- giving all a great vista view of the first lagoon. The path then extends all the way around the right and rear of the reserve. At the last obvious left corner the improved path joins the well walked dirt path. This can be a little rutted and a few humps and bumps.
All gates are wide, no stiles. Some of the gates are a little awkward to operate from a wheelchair or mobility scooter.
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. 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 recommend you start at the gate on your left where the toilets are. Do checkout the under cover hide on your left -opposite where the butty van operates from before you start around the reserve.
Through the gate, passed the toilets on your left. Head down this obvious path, there are hides to visit overlooking the lagoon. Keep heading down the path, able bodies people can visit the large elevated hide, for those on wheels or unable to manage stairs then there is a new elevated ramped viewing point on the left. From here go back down the slope and turn left. Stay on this path. meadow and grasses either side, follow the path as it heads around the reserve, lagoons, little ponds and a few more viewing points on your left. There are a few benches along the route too. This is a circular route so keep following the obvious path. There are a few little cut in viewing points along the way, some ok for wheels and lower presenting people, some clearly not suitable. Eventually the path leads to a gate, it's a bit tricky and a fiddle to open on your own if on wheels. This leads out onto the main lane. You can go right here - you will see an open gate leading to a fully accessible new hide on your right. Well worth visiting. Back to the lane and turn right - pass the detached house and farm and buildings. After the farm is another viewing area up a little lane. The return back to the car parking area and entrance. On your right is an elevated accessible hide. As you come back along the lane there are a few more hides on your left, and viewing gaps on your right.
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, owls.
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.









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