North Staveley
This gorgeous wetland reserve is home to otters, sand martins, waders, deer and more! Staveley has a network of surfaced paths, and three of the five hides are wheelchair accessible. Disabled parking (radar key access) is available off Main Street, from the track by the church.
Filey Dams
As the last remaining freshwater marsh in the area, Filey Dams is a magnet for migratory birds, newts and bats.
There’s wheelchair access to the main hide and pond dipping platform, although assistance may be needed to open the viewing flaps.
Ripon City Wetlands
This modern wetland reserve already attracts swathes of wildfowl and waders, including tufted ducks and teals, and incredible starling murmurations in the winter. Disabled parking (radar key access) is available close to the Riverside Lagoon screen, which has a wheelchair viewing space. Do bring binoculars to get the best view of birds across the lake!
South
Potteric Carr
Over 230 bird species, 28 butterfly species, mammals, moths and dragonflies –Potteric Carr has it all! Disabled parking is available at our visitor centre, which has a café and wheelchair accessible toilets, and accessible routes are signposted around the reserve. A mobility scooter is available to hire.
Dearne Valley Country Park
Ancient Cliffe Wood is filled with bluebells in spring and fungi in autumn, and the River Dearne at the centre of the reserve is fantastic for seeing kingfishers, frogs and toads galore! Most paths on the reserve are flat and surfaced – use the main car park for access.
Sprotbrough Flash
The winding, picturesque Don is a wetland wildlife haven – spot great crested grebes, kingfishers and the elusive bittern. The riverside towpath along the Don is flat and level, and there are two wheelchair accessible hides.
East
North Cave Wetlands
This wild wetland is positively dripping with wildlife, from nationally significant numbers of avocets to wildfowl and warblers. The car park on Dryham Lane has two accessible spaces, a surfaced path explores part of the reserve and three out of four hides are wheelchair accessible.
Askham Bog
David Attenborough called Askham Bog a ‘cathedral of nature conservation’ when he visited in 2016! Access from the compacted gravel car park is via a slightly sloped dirt path. A short boardwalk circles this ancient fenland but take care in wet weather as it can be slippy.
West
Adel Dam
Breeding kingfishers are the stars here, but exotic-looking mandarin ducks and tufted ducks show off too. Follow the level path as far as the first hide, which is wheelchair accessible with a great view of the feeding station. Park at Golden Acre Car Park (tarmac with disabled parking).
Rothwell Country Park
A peaceful reserve where meadows brim with wildflowers and butterflies, and woodlands burst with birds, fungi and the occasional hedgehog. There’s a good network of accessible tracks, although some are quite hilly so best tackled with a mobility scooter or powered wheelchair. Roadside parking is on Bullough Lane.
Bring your radar key which might be needed for accessible gates.
Potteric Carr charges a small entry fee for non-members.
Did you know that we care for over 100 nature reserves across Yorkshire? Plan your next wild adventure at ywt.org.uk/nature-reserves. We also recommend accessiblenatureuk.com
Our members make a real and lasting difference for Yorkshire’s wildlife and wild places. Please join us today!
When you join us, you’ll enjoy:
n Unlimited free admission and parking at our visitor centres
n A subscription to our quarterly Wildlife Yorkshire magazine
n Discounts on some of our unforgettable wild events
n Invitations to exclusive experiences and more!
Plus when you pay by monthly Direct Debit, we’ll also send you a FREE copy of Discover Yorkshire’s Wildlife worth £14.99 - the most comprehensive guide to where, when and how to see wildlife in Yorkshire!
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