Staveley Nature Reserve

Good for: Birds, Butterflies, Dragonflies, Wildflowers

Two large, flooded former gravel pits, fringed with rushes, along with several small pools and drainage channels. Some extensive grassland and small areas of woodland.

R

Parking

Small car park off the Staveley to Minskip road.

R

Access

A public footpath gives direct access from the car park to the reserve.

R

Terrain

Level footpaths and easy access for those of limited mobility, although a good deal of walking is required to cover the entire site.

Habitat:

Grassland, Lake, Woodland

About the location

An excellent site for a wide range of birds, with over 200 species recorded and always the chance of a rarity. There are several hides, which not only provide views across the lakes, but also have feeding stations, offering close encounters with Yellowhammer, Reed Bunting, Tree Sparrow and Greenfinch, among others. Staveley is renowned for Water Rail, which can often be seen taking spilt grain beneath the feeding stations. Assorted waterfowl are invariably present on and around the lakes, while the small pools attract breeding toads, frogs and newts. A number of dragonflies, damselflies and butterflies are active during the summer months.
There is also a large variety of wildflowers, especially orchids, including a large colony of Marsh Helleborines.