Amazing wild places in East and Central
1 Askham Bog
This precious remnant of Yorkshire’s ancient peatlands is the birthplace of Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and it holds a special place in our hearts. Described as ‘a cathedral of nature conservation’ by David Attenborough, wander the boardwalks of this peaceful paradise to discover royal ferns hundreds of years old, rare water beetles, and over 800 species of moth.
2 Wheldrake Ings
Winter flooding attracts colossal numbers of ducks, geese, swans, gulls and waders here, including smew, scaup, and even American wigeon. In spring, the Ings come alive with the songs of warblers, the meadow dries out and wildflowers emerge in abundance, bustling with insects.
3 North Cave Wetlands
4 Strensall Common
Part of an internationally important area of lowland heath, Strensall Common blushes purple every August due to its abundant ling heather and cross leaved heath. It is also one of the best places to watch common lizards and adders – from a distance – basking in the sun, and is home to some incredible insects and birds, and over 150 species of plants.
6 Flamborough Cliffs
Welcome to seabird city! This is the best place in mainland Britain to see puffins up-close, along with fulmar, kittiwake, guillemot, and razorbill. Flamborough’s towering white cliffs are also a perfect platform for sea watching. On a calm day, watch for the playful splashing of bottle-nosed dolphins, bobbing seals and even minke whales!
5 North Cliffe Wood
From quarries and lorries to avocets and bitterns, the ongoing transformation of this working quarry into a shining example of a 21st-century nature reserve is truly extraordinary. The wetlands are positively dripping with wildlife all year round, but the winter wildfowl extravaganza is not to be missed!
Visit this beautiful broadleaved woodland in spring to see carpets of stunning bluebells spread out under the trees, and hear one of the best dawn choruses in Yorkshire. Autumn brings warm leafy hues and a smattering of purple heather, as well as some fabulous fungi.
7 Spurn Point
There’s nowhere quite like Spurn. It’s extreme and ever-changing – a remote, breathtaking place with a human history that’s just as fascinating as its natural landscape. Visit our Discovery Centre or join us on a Unimog safari to find out why Yorkshire’s very own Land’s End is such a magnet for migrating birds, then climb to the top of the iconic lighthouse for jaw-dropping views.
8 Barlow Common
A fantastic family adventure, the wildlife markers of the Common’s trails are best searched for between May and July when the trees are in full leaf and the wildflowers are in bloom. Look out for grass snakes basking in the sun and great crested newts in the dipping pond.
Yorkshire. Home to some of the most magical wildlife and wild places you’ll ever see.
Whether it’s a close encounter with puffins on spectacular white cliffs, multicolour meadows buzzing with bees and brim-full of butterflies, or wondrous wetlands welcoming wintering wildfowl and waders in their thousands, our grand and glorious part of the world is a cracking place to experience nature at its best.
Our East and Central region is where impressive wetlands, heaths, marshy lowlands and meadows meet the iconic seascapes of Spurn and Flamborough Cliffs. This is a landscape of big skies and diverse wildlife spectacles, where some of our rarest species can be found.
Find out more about the 100+ reserves in our care and be inspired to go wild at ywt.org.uk/nature-reserves
Join us at one of our great wild events! From family fun to expert encounters, there’s something for everyone in our year-round programme! Get planning how you’ll next experience Yorkshire’s incredible wildlife at ywt.org.uk/our-events
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!
