Staveley Nature Reserve
The 84 hectare Staveley Nature Reserve consists of a shallow lagoon edged with reedswamp, fen and flower-rich grassland with scrub and pasture.The reserve features a number of different plant communities, most of which can be seen from the public footpath.Over 230 plant species are found, perhaps the most noteworthy being lesser water-plantain, brookweed, opposite-leaved pondweed and bee orchid.The primary vegetation at the lagoon edge consists mainly of common reed and bulrush.In late June – early July, hundreds of common spotted-orchids grow in drier areas.Since 1974, 205 species of bird have been recorded and of these approximately 45 are known to have bred.Common breeders include both reed and sedge warbler while grasshopper warbler and barn owl breed less regularly.Throughout the winter months a variety of wildfowl is attracted to the main lagoon and locally uncommon species such as short-eared owl and jack snipe are frequently seen.Mammal records have recently included less common species such as harvest mouse and water shrew.Staveley Nature Reserve is especially important for dragonflies; 19 species have been recorded of which brown hawker is the largest regular breeder.Recent colonists are ruddy darter and migrant hawker now breeding in significant numbers.The Trust works to prevent the reserve’s open habitats from becoming enclosed woodland.Invading scrub is monitored and removed periodically.Selected areas of grassland are mown annually to encourage wild flowers.Small shallow ponds have been dug, providing a wider variety of freshwater habitats that complement the main lagoon.The Staveley Nature Reserve was purchased through the Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund and the John Dealtry legacy, plus other individual donations.
Read more
Not what you're looking for?
Behind the scenes of Things To Do
Things To Do
A Place to Feel Good: Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal
Just stepping onto the grounds of Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden will make you feel better. This...
Stay Active
Walking in the great outdoors
From the gentle walking trails around our market towns to the impressive 49 miles of the Ripon Rowels walk...
Attractions
Caring for the state beds
Caring for the state beds by Alana Bates, Collections Assistant, Beningbrough Hall, Gallery and Gardens An empty house When...
Loading...
Loading entries...
More Things To Do businesses
Things To Do
Harewood House
Things To Do
Valley Gardens, Harrogate
Things To Do
Bebra Gardens, Knaresborough
Things To Do
Ripon Workhouse & Garden...
Things To Do
Yorkshire Appetite Food Tours...
Things To Do
Yorkshire Appetite Food Tours
Things To Do
Markenfield Hall
Things To Do
Farm Adventure
Things To Do
Beningbrough - National Trust
Loading...
Loading entries...