Sand Lane, near Market Weighton, East Riding of Yorkshire YO43 4XE
North Cliffe Wood Nature Reserve
Mixed-habitat reserve
Place photograph
6.9
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
Free
Cost
Peaceful
Feel
Why it's Wildland
6.9A 33-hectare patchwork of wet and dry woodland, old hazel coppice, lowland heath and reedbed, known for spring bluebells and a striking dawn chorus.
The appeal here is the variety packed into a modest reserve: oak woodland and old hazel coppice give way to heath, pools and reedbed. Visit in spring for bluebells and birdsong, or look more closely at the heath and woodland wildlife through the warmer months.
Peaceful · Secluded · Seasonal
Find your way
Open mapSand Lane, near Market Weighton, East Riding of Yorkshire YO43 4XE
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The experience
Allow around one to two hours for an unhurried walk through the woodland and heath. The paths are described as straightforward, though roots, soft ground and local flooding can affect conditions. There are no on-site facilities.
Things to do
Walk through the woodland
Follow the straightforward paths through wet and dry broadleaved woodland, including high oak forest and old hazel coppice. Expect exposed roots and minor trip hazards.
Around 1 hour
Look for spring bluebells and listen for birdsong
Visit in spring for the reserve’s bluebells and dawn chorus. Flowering times vary, so the peak display cannot be guaranteed on a particular date.
Explore the heathland and reedbed edge
Notice the change from woodland to lowland heath and the small reedbed. The heath supports ling heather, heath rush and common cotton grass; pools provide habitat for damselflies and dragonflies.
Watch and listen for wildlife
Look and listen for woodland birds, and scan clearings and pools for insects. Grass snakes are present in the reserve, but sightings are not assured; keep to paths, particularly on the heathland.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · Around 1 hour
Quick woodland and heath walk
- 01
Park in a roadside lay-by on Sand Lane, where space is limited.
- 02
Follow the straightforward paths through the wood and look for spring bluebells where they line the route.
- 03
Continue towards the heathland and reedbed, then return through the reserve.
Half day · Half day
Make a half day of it: North Cliffe Wood and North Cave Wetlands
- 01
Spend an unhurried morning walking through the woodland, heath and reedbed at North Cliffe Wood.
- 02
In spring, take time to listen for birdsong and look for bluebells; in summer, watch the clearings and pools for insects.
- 03
Extend the outing with a visit to nearby North Cave Wetlands, which Yorkshire Wildlife Trust recommends as a nearby full-day pairing. Check its access and facilities before setting out.
Hidden details
An old hazel coppice — The reserve includes an area of old hazel coppice. Look for the change in structure between coppiced hazel and the taller oak woodland; no particular tree or feature is identified as a marked visitor stop.
Heathland plants and sandy-soil insects — On the heath, look for ling heather, heath rush and common cotton grass. Yorkshire Wildlife Trust also notes solitary bees and wasps excavating burrows in the sandy soil.
When to go
March · April · May · June · A still spring morning is a good choice for birdsong; the reserve’s dawn chorus is a particular draw.
Yorkshire Wildlife Trust recommends March to June. Spring brings bluebells and birdsong; summer clearings can be busy with butterflies, while autumn brings leaf colour, flowering heather and fungi.
After heavy rain and in winter, paths can be soft and locally flooded. Exposed tree roots are a trip hazard; check conditions before visiting.
The route
- ascent
- Flat.
- surface
- Grass paths and woodland tracks; exposed roots, soft ground and local flooding are reported.
- distance
- A walk report describes a 1.2-mile route; this is not stated as an official reserve trail distance.
- duration
- Around 1 hour; allow longer to explore.
- difficulty
- Straightforward, but paths may be soft, flooded or uneven.
- route shape
- A perimeter-style walk through the wood and heath is described by a visitor walk report; exact route may vary.
- start point
- Sand Lane, by the reserve entrances.
- parking start
- Limited roadside lay-by parking on Sand Lane.
- Spring bluebells
- Broadleaved woodland and old hazel coppice
- Lowland heath and small reedbed
- Pools and seasonal wildlife
Worth pairing with
North Cave Wetlands Nature Reserve
Yorkshire Wildlife Trust recommends nearby North Cave Wetlands as an extension for a fuller day out. Check its current access and practical details before travelling.
What to look for
- 01
In spring, look for bluebells along the woodland paths and listen for the dawn chorus. Notice where the broadleaved woodland opens onto lowland heath and reedbed
- 02
pools provide habitat for damselflies and dragonflies. Grass snakes are present, but sightings are not guaranteed.
Best time to go
March to June, with spring especially good for bluebells and birdsong; autumn brings leaf colour, heather and fungi.
Yorkshire Wildlife Trust recommends March to June. For bluebells and birdsong, choose a still spring morning; check conditions after heavy rain.
How long to spend
1–2 hours
Perfect for
Walkers · Wildlife lovers · Photographers · Families
Before you go
Address
Website
Listed hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
Check before visiting.
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
Yorkshire Wildlife Trust says the reserve is open at all times and free to enter. Limited parking is available in roadside lay-bys. Paths can be soft or locally flooded in winter and after heavy rain; wheelchair access is limited. No facilities on site.
Parking
Limited parking in roadside lay-bays on Sand Lane. Check locally before travelling.
Check before visiting
Toilets
No facilities on site.
Food & drink
No facilities on site; check nearby options before travelling.
Check before visiting
Dogs
No dogs permitted.
Accessibility
Wheelchair access is limited. Footpaths may be soft or locally flooded in winter and after heavy rain, and exposed tree roots create minor trip hazards.
Cost
Free
Water
Pools and a small reedbed; no water activities are evidenced.
Gallery
Place photographs
Keep exploring
Around North Cliffe Wood Nature Reserve
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
Place photograph6.8North Cave Wetlands
Dryham Lane, Brough, East Riding of Yorkshire HU15 2LY
5.3 km away
Place photograph8.2RSPB Blacktoft Sands
South bank of the River Ouse, near Goole, East Riding of Yorkshire
14.2 km away
Place photograph7.2North Duffield Carrs
North Duffield Carrs, near Bubwith, North Yorkshire
16.2 km away
