Little Beck Wood nature reserve nr. Whitby, North Yorkshire
In a sheltered, secluded valley in the North York Moors lies lovely Little Beck Wood, close to the beauty spot of the Falling Foss waterfall.
If you go down to the woods today…
Our woodlands are at their best in the autumn, as tree canopies darken to russet orange and a low-lying sun casts an enchanting glow through the trees. Here are some of Yorkshire Wildlife Trust’s favourites…
A lush woodland of oak, ash, alder and cherry, look out for woodland birds including great spotted woodpecker, marsh tit, nuthatch and treecreeper, and enjoy the seclusion of the boardwalk path winding its way alongside the beck.
Look out for and admire the new sculpture alongside the path, carved from a fallen ash afflicted by ash dieback.
Coast to Coast carving, Little Beck with Steve Iredale Credit NYMNP
If you fancy extending your trip to make a longer day, walk through the reserve towards Falling Foss and the tearooms – starting from here, it also makes the perfect circular walk!
There is a surfaced car park at Littlebeck village hall (suggested donation) then a short walk down a steep hill to the reserve entrance.
Hetchell Wood nature reserve nr. Leeds, West Yorkshire
Full of zigzagging paths for adventures, nooks to explore, and sounds and smells all around… a visit to Hetchell Wood is huge fun.
This magnificent ancient woodland is also a soothing retreat, with stunning autumn colours and the trickle of the beck in the bottom. A circular walk takes you through a variety of habitats, with towering rocky crags, secret pools, and spectacular views of the valley from the top.
Keep an eye out up above for red kites, which were released on the Harewood House Estate in 1999 and are now a common sight.
There are small laybys for parking off Milner Lane with space for 8-12 cars, and dogs are permitted on reserve on leads. Paths can be uneven underfoot and may be difficult in wet weather.
Barlow Common nature reserve nr. Selby, East Yorkshire
With trails to explore and varied wildlife to discover, Barlow Common is the perfect place for a family outing or gentle stroll, with hard-surfaced and flat paths, a car park, toilets and disabled access.
Restored from a former tip next to a power station, a trail of 25 hand-carved wooden waymarkers feature the reserve’s wildlife on a route around the ponds and through the woodland, and sharp-eyed visitors may glimpse a timid roe deer or fox taking a wander, as ducks shelter and waddle by the far pond.
Make sure too to listen out for the hammering of woodpeckers – both green and great spotted have been found on-site.
Dogs are welcome on leads, and this is also a fantastic reserve to access via public transport - the bus stop for the number 8 bus to Drax from Selby is 50 metres from the reserve entrance.
(c) Claire Burton
Potteric Carr nature reserve nr. Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Potteric Carr is well-known for its wetland areas with much-loved inhabitants including bitterns - two pairs nested successfully again this year.
But the reserve’s woodland deserves an honourable mention – the autumn colour is absolutely stunning, and the mix of trees are home to roe deer, willow tits, flocks of finches and a fantastic array of fungi.
(c) Kirsten Smith
Over 230 species of birds have been recorded on the reserve, and autumn is a particularly exciting time for migration at Potteric Carr which means there really will be something for everyone.
Everything is an easy, level walk from the car park and visitor centre where the café offers views over the water, and mobility scooters are also available to hire.
Do be aware that dogs are not allowed on this very sensitive nature reserve.
(c) Tom Marshall
Discover Yorkshire’s Wildlife
Yorkshire Wildlife Trust manages over 100 local nature reserves for wildlife across the county.
If you’d like to learn more about the nature reserves near you, pick up a copy of our new guidebook Discover Yorkshire’s Wildlife from the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust web-shop and see what wildlife you can spot on your next adventure.