North Cave Wetlands Nature Reserve
North Cave Wetlands is a true example of a 21st Century nature reserve, developed in the footprint of a large sand and gravel quarry. A day spent here any time of the year will reward visitors with close up views of a range of wetland wildlife. And the good news is it's still a work in progress, so will continue to get better for wildlife and people!
A mixture of shallow and deep water lakes and reed-beds provide outstanding habitat for passage, breeding and wintering wildfowl, waders, terns and gulls. A 2km perimeter path gives access around the established nature reserve and four large hides are positioned to give excellent viewing over key areas for birdwatchers and photographers alike.
Shallow gravel islands have been created in three lakes to provide breeding grounds for little ringed and ringed plovers, avocet, oyster-catcher, lapwing and common tern. There is a resident population of tufted duck, gadwall, great crested and little grebe and sometimes shoveler. In spring and autumn small numbers and migrant wading birds pass through. Reed and sedge warblers and reed buntings are common in and around the reed-bed and north side of the nature reserve.
Butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies thrive on the grassy banks beside the perimeter path; watch out for the emperor dragonfly and sometimes water vole. There is a small colony of brown argus butterflies in the meadow between Main and Carp Lakes, access to which is opened in summer months. Opening Times
A mixture of shallow and deep water lakes and reed-beds provide outstanding habitat for passage, breeding and wintering wildfowl, waders, terns and gulls. A 2km perimeter path gives access around the established nature reserve and four large hides are positioned to give excellent viewing over key areas for birdwatchers and photographers alike.
Shallow gravel islands have been created in three lakes to provide breeding grounds for little ringed and ringed plovers, avocet, oyster-catcher, lapwing and common tern. There is a resident population of tufted duck, gadwall, great crested and little grebe and sometimes shoveler. In spring and autumn small numbers and migrant wading birds pass through. Reed and sedge warblers and reed buntings are common in and around the reed-bed and north side of the nature reserve.
Butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies thrive on the grassy banks beside the perimeter path; watch out for the emperor dragonfly and sometimes water vole. There is a small colony of brown argus butterflies in the meadow between Main and Carp Lakes, access to which is opened in summer months. Opening Times