North Duffield Carrs, near Bubwith, North Yorkshire

North Duffield Carrs

Mixed-habitat reserve

Place photograph

7.2

Wildland

1–2 hours

Time

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Cost

Peaceful

Feel

WetlandRiversideBirdwatchersWildlife loversPhotographersWalkers

Why it's Wildland

7.2

Two hides look out across the open wetland, where winter brings Whooper Swans and Greater Scaup, and spring migration can bring Whimbrel, Ruff and Green Sandpiper.

This is a quiet, open wetland where the spectacle is seasonal: wintering wildfowl and passing waders make the hides a rewarding place to stop, watch and wait. The flat approach is straightforward, though high water can change conditions.

Peaceful · Big-sky · Wild

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North Duffield Carrs, near Bubwith, North Yorkshire

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The experience

Follow the wide, flat path from the small car park to the two hides. Settle in to watch the wetland rather than expecting a marked circuit; bring binoculars if you have them and allow time for birds to appear.

Things to do

Watch from the two hides

Use the hides overlooking the Ings to scan for wildfowl and waders. Winter usually brings Whooper Swans and Greater Scaup; spring migration may bring Whimbrel, Ruff and Green Sandpiper.

Walk the path to the hides

Take the wide, flat path from the small car park to the hides. It is described as easy and accessible; the source warns that high water and wet conditions are possible.

Make a day of it

Quick escape · Allow around 1–2 hours

Quick Escape: the two hides

01
Park in the small car park off the A163 near Bubwith.
02
Follow the wide path to the two bird hides.
03
Spend time scanning the wetland for seasonal wildfowl and waders.
04
Return by the same path; the source does not describe a circular trail.

Half day · Half day

Make a half day of it: wetland birdwatching

01
Visit both hides, taking time to scan different parts of the open wetland.
02
In winter, look for Whooper Swans and Greater Scaup; in spring or autumn, watch for migrating waders.
03
If you want to extend the birding outing, consider nearby Wheldrake Ings, described as just down the road. Check access and current conditions before travelling.

Hidden details

A seasonal migration stop — The birdlife changes through the year: winter brings wildfowl such as Whooper Swan and Greater Scaup, while spring passage can include Whimbrel, Ruff and Green Sandpiper. Sightings are not guaranteed.

When to go

November · December · January · February · Not specified by the sources; check conditions and plan for daylight.

Winter is noted for arriving wildfowl, including Whooper Swan and Greater Scaup. Spring and autumn are migration periods, when waders may pass through. Summer is usually quieter.

The site is open and flat; high water and wet conditions are possible. Check conditions before visiting and wear footwear suitable for wet paths.

Worth pairing with

Wheldrake Ings

A nearby birding site described as just down the road. It could extend a birdwatching outing, but check its access and current conditions before setting out.

What to look for

Scan the wetland for wintering Whooper Swans and Greater Scaup. In spring, look out for passing Whimbrel, Ruff and Green Sandpiper. Bird numbers and sightings vary.

Best time to go

Winter for wildfowl, especially Whooper Swans; spring and autumn for migrating waders.

Winter is the strongest season for wildfowl; spring and autumn are migration periods. A calm, clear morning may make watching easier, but a specific best time of day is not confirmed by the sources.

How long to spend

1–2 hours

Perfect for

Birdwatchers · Wildlife lovers · Photographers · Walkers

Practical information

Opening & access

A small car park off the A163 gives access to a wide, flat path leading to two bird hides. The path is described as easy and accessible, but high water and wet conditions are possible.

Parking

Small car park off the A163, near Bubwith.

Toilets

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Food & drink

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Dogs

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Accessibility

The approach to the two hides is described as a wide, easy path and accessible by wheelchair. High water and wet conditions are possible, so check conditions before setting out.

Check before visiting

Cost

Check before visiting

Water

Wetland, river, reedbeds