The Ripon City Wetlands, just south of Ripon is a ‘must visit’ site for nature lovers and those seeking a quiet respite from day-to-day worries.  The Ripon City Wetlands reserve has given an abundance of new life to the site of a disused quarry on the outskirts of the city.  Since its creation, the reserve has become home to a range of birds and wildlife.

Throughout the seasons the regular sights change as migrating birds come and go, insects emerge and mammals raise and feed their young.  Regular birds that can be seen at Ripon City Wetlands include bitterns, avocets, little ringed plovers and kingfishers.  The reed beds that line the lakes are now home to otters and in the summer swathes of damselflies dance across the shallow waters.

While the reserve is mostly a space dedicated to just wildlife, a trail that visitors can explore winds its way from the car park to the canal, where you can extend your explorations along the waters if the desire takes you.

The car park for the reserve is closed on race days at the neighbouring Ripon Racecourse and no dogs are permitted on the reserve.