www.yorkshiredragonflies.org.uk
View Forge Valley NNR in a larger map
Wooded river valley of the Derwent.
Park at the Old Man’s Mouth Picnic area SE984870. Cross the river on the board walk and walk upstream keeping an eye out for the demoiselles in sunny spots along the river.
View Pugneys Country Park in a larger map
A 250 acre site which was previously an open cast mine, as well as a sand and gravel quarry and was turned into a country park in 1985. The park has two lakes, the largest of which is a 100 acre watersports lake. The smaller of the two lakes is only 24 acres and is a nature reserve which is overlooked by 2 bird hides. There are also many other streams and waterways on the site.
East from junction 38 of the M1. Entrance from the A636 and A6186 junction roundabout.
Grid ref. SE330171
View The Yorkshire Arboretum in a larger map
A series of four artificial water bodies set within the grounds of the arboretum.
Situated between York and Malton, the arboretum is opposite the main entrance to Castle Howard.
There is an admission fee.
Grid ref. SE705699
The Yorkshire Arboretum
OS Map from BING Maps
View Hurst Dam in a larger map
Remains of a small reservoir constructed in the 19th century for the lead industry. It’s surrounded by heather moor and rough grassland, at an altitude of aroud 380m.
Hurst Dam is at NZ042023, in Swaledale just west of Hurst. It’s a little off the public right of way but on Open Access land, so it’s accessible at most times of the year, but not with a dog.
View Nosterfield LNR in a larger map
A former sand and gravel quarry, owned and managed by the Lower Ure Conservation Trust since 1996. Primarily a wetland, grassland habitat, with four permanent bodies of water, the dragonfly population is continually expanding. To date, 16 species have been recorded, most recently Emerald Damselfly and Four-spotted Chaser. A permissive footpath from the main car park runs in one direction to West Tanfield village, and in the opposite direction towards Nosterfield village, from which it is possible to view the Silt Lagoons. Two hides overlook the Main Lake and a viewing screen overlooks the North Lake. In summer, the footpath is a favoured ‘sunning’ area for Black-tailed Skimmers and in the autumn is frequented by Migrant Hawkers and Common Darters.
Access is from the B6267 (Moor Lane), east of West Tanfield, which follows the boundary of the reserve, signed at the car park entrance (SE278795).
The site is open all year round but visitors are requested to keep to the permissive footpath at all times. To arrange a group visit, please contact Simon Warwick, LUCT Trustee: email simon@luct.org.uk or telephone 01765 602832
View Timble Ings in a larger map
Woodland, shallow moorland streams, ponds and ditches.
Access is of the minor road south of Blubberhouses. Parking for a couple of cars opposite Anchor Farm at grid ref: SE170542, or four cars along the unmade road at grid ref: SE166530.
View Fairburn Ings in a larger map
Range of open water and marsh.
Visitors centre is 3/4 of a mile west of Fairburn village.
Fairburn Ings – RSPB
OS Map from BING Maps
View Johnny Brown’s Common in a larger map
Former colliery site with ponds, marsh and scrub.
Park in layby on B6474 between Upton and South Kirby. Walk west along track to reach common.
View Potteric Carr in a larger map
Range of open water, marsh and woodland.
Located half a mile from Junction 3 of the M18, just south of Doncaster. Access into the reserve is via Sedum House, the head office of the BTCV.
OS Map from BING Maps
Potteric Carr – YWT
View Dundale Pond in a larger map
Moorland pond and stream.
Take Braygate Lane north from Levisham. Park at the end of the lane and walk down to the pond.