North Cave Wetlands is a Yorkshire Wildlife Trust reserve on the site of a former sand quarry. There is a mixture of shallow and deep water with muddy margins, fringed in some places by alder and willow. There are also some areas of grassland and the site is surrounded by arable farmland.

The site is a real oasis for wildlife in an intensively farmed area and some surprising species pass through. I used to visit this site on weekly basis before moving from the area.

North Cave Wetlands is to the east of North Cave village on Dryham Lane.

For those traveling from outside the area, take junction 38 of the M62, where it merges with the A63. Follow the road towards North Cave and the reserve is signposted, on the left, just before entering the village.

There is sufficient parking at the reserve for visitors' cars.

North Cave Wetlands has something to interest birdwatchers all year round, although the most interesting species turn up in the winter and the migratory periods in spring and autumn.

In the summer breeding waterbirds can be watched at close quarters with broods of Mallard, Tufted Duck, Moorhen, Coot, Great Crested Grebe and Little Grebe providing the entertainment. A few pairs of Common Tern also nest here, raising a few chicks each year.

1. A bird feeding station near the car park is a good place to see small passerines feeding in winter. Tree Sparrow, Siskin and Redpoll are all regular along with the more common species.

Apart from birds there is a good range of butterflies and moths. In the summer there are occasionally moth trapping evenings.

Quite a few species of Dragonflies and Damselflies have colonized the reserve and in summer they can be seen in good numbers.

In the grassy borders and hedgerows a good selection of common flowering plants can be found, but mammals are restricted to just voles, shrews and mice although there are Pipistrelle and Noctule Bats present.

Accommodation