4 autumn nature walks and reserves near York to enjoy by Amy Cooper, of the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust
IT’S an early morning with pearl grey sky and as I follow the path winding its way through Moorlands nature reserve near York I can’t help but think that this is the true essence of autumn.
A low mist hangs between the trees, making the woodland feel enclosed and intimate, providing the perfect backdrop for the gorgeous colours of autumn beginning to show.
Moorlands’ trees are already turning vibrant red and orange, fungi like the characterfully-named candlesnuff fungus and puffballs are popping through the leaf litter, and the clear whistling call of a brightly-coloured nuthatch echoes between the tree-tops
Shorter days don’t mean the yearly wildlife spectacles are over, it’s just all change. Late autumn and winter bring with them their own host of magical moments waiting to be enjoyed.
As wildlife prepares for winter, we too can make the most of the daylight and rejuvenate our physical and mental wellbeing, surrounded in nature to help blow away some October cobwebs. Researchers have found in multiple studies that there’s a link between access to green space and a reduced risk of mental health problems. We inherently know that pending time in nature can improve our mood, increase our physical activity, help us to de-stress and develop stronger connections. At Yorkshire Wildlife Trust’s reserves you’ll find worn trails and paths, signposts and boardwalks leading you around and through the trees.
Here are a few places to get out and about near York this autumn
Moorlands nature reserve
A beautiful, small woodland on the outskirts of York, Moorlands is wonderful in the autumn months. Particularly popular with young families, the reserve boasts a treehouse, wooden sculptures and a nature trail, with way-markers depicting the species found in the woodland thanks to funding from Yorventure. Late-evening visitors to the reserve are in for a real treat, as Moorlands is home to brown long-eared bats which can be spotted flitting between the trees – just take care when heading out in the dark and make sure you are properly prepared with a torch and warm clothing.
From the reserve entrance a single footpath leads into the reserve and then splits to form a short one mile circular walk - the surface is all compacted earth, and mostly flat and even. There are numerous benches for rest stops too. Please note dogs are not permitted on this reserve because there’s some fragile, rare wildlife living here.
Staveley nature reserve
Yorkshire Wildlife Trust’s wetland reserves are lovely to visit in autumn – the gentle swaying of the golden reedbeds fringing mirror-like pools, the incredible range of birds you can spot from their bird hides making a pit-stop or settling in for autumn – but there is a special place in my heart for Staveley nature reserve just outside Ripon. It’s a particularly good place to watch starling murmurations once the nights draw in properly, with a great view from the site’s central hill. Staveley is also locally famous for its very friendly barn owl, which last year was so predictable it kept to a dusk schedule! We’ll be holding an Apple Day festival on October 17; join us and the local community on the anniversary of the reserve’s community orchard.
Staveley has miles of footpaths, all surfaced and accessible for mobility aids and wheelchairs, and a different styles of bird hides. There is a small car park on Minskip road – please park sensibly, and do not block the main road or residents’ drives – and a separate RADAR-accessible car park at the heart of the reserve. Dogs are welcome on leads.
Hetchell Wood nature reserve
Famed for its incredible seasonal colour displays in autumn, Hetchell Wood is the sort of woodland I would have loved to explore as a child. Sprawled over tiers of rocky crags with huge arching trunks of oak and beech, this magnificent ancient woodland has lots of great nooks and crannies to explore, some fantastic lunch spots to listen to the birds, and a carpet of orange leaves all ready for those who want to feel really autumnal and a proper crunch underfoot.
A circular walk of about an hour takes you round the reserve, it is uneven under foot in places and you’ll need sturdy walking boots. There is parking available, and dogs are welcome on leads.
Askham Bog nature reserve
Yorkshire Wildlife Trust’s first reserve turned 80 years old this year! A remarkable survivor of the ancient fenlands of Yorkshire nestled between the A64 and trainline by Askham Bar, Askham Bog is particularly atmospheric in autumn. Earlier in the season you’ll be able to spot the reserve’s enormous royal ferns, some of which are centuries old and can grow up to 3m in height, as well as other rare bog plants like gingerbread sedge. Redwings and jays chatter from the woodland scrub, and you might be lucky enough to see the very last of our dragonflies – the common darter – zipping its way past the reserve’s central pond.
With a brand-new boardwalk winding its way for a half-mile around the reserve and new visitor information, now is a brilliant time to visit Askham Bog – take a look and see how many species you recognise in our beautiful new chainsaw carving at the entrance to the reserve. Dogs are permitted as long as they are kept on a lead and remain on the boardwalk at all times.
Find out more about seasonal wildlife and where to spot it at www.ywt.org.uk/nature-reserves and explore your wild Yorkshire.