North Cave Wetlands Nature Reserve

About

Hedgerows, grassland, scrapes, and a small arable field add to the site’s interest.
Grazing animals:Highland cows and Hebridean sheep
Walking trails: A circular footpath runs around the perimeter of the original section of the reserve, part of which is surfaced and accessible to wheelchair users, as are three of the four hides. Following Dryham Lane to the west from the car park, you will reach Crosslands Hide. This large, hexagonal hide is made from straw bales and has a living green roof. Some paths may close during bird breeding season.
Access: Permissive footpaths. Keep to the marked paths and do not enter the deep water.

In Spring the reserve is a hive of activity, with breeding avocet, common tern, little ringed plover, lapwing and redshank. You might also be lucky enough to see migrants such as Temminck’s stint and black-necked grebe. In Summer orchids flower in the grasslands on the reserve and butterflies including brimstone, holly blue and comma can be seen. In Autumn again is a good time to see migrants such as waxwing. While flocks of tree sparrow and siskin gather in the scrub and trees around the reserve. In Winter sees good populations of ducks using the lakes including pochard, shoveler, gadwall and teal.

North Cave wetland is a fantastic example of how an industrial landscape can be restored for the benefit of wildlife. This old sand and gravel quarry is now an amazing place for both beginner and expert birdwatchers, allowing wonderful close up views of waders and wildfowl. Memorable visits can be made in spring when dozens of lapwing, redshank and avocet chicks can be seen scuttling about the reserve.

Facilities:
Bird hides
Toilets
Cafe/refreshments: A burger van sells refreshments from Wednesday – Sunday between 7:15am and 1:15pm.
Picnic area
No dogs permitted
Dogs permitted along Dryham Lane only, not on the reserve