Magnesian Limestone - Credit Richard Hemus
The River Ure flows through the beautiful uplands of the Yorkshire Dales to the low-lying fertile plains in the Vale of York.
supporting nationally scarce habitats and associated species
The surrounding floodplain comprises a rich mosaic of habitats, including ancient woodland, wet woodland, ponds and streams.
A special feature of this landscape is the juxtaposition of the magnesian limestone grassland and wetlands of the Ure floodplain, supporting nationally scarce habitats and associated species such as thistle broomrape, marsh cinquefoil and wintering whooper swan.
Yorkshire Wildlife Trust is working with the minerals industry to develop wetland creation schemes, particularly at Ripon City Quarry and Ladybridge Quarry near Nosterfield. The vision is of a network of reedbed, wet woodland and wet grassland.
What’s happening?
The area is host to a number of spent minerals works, providing great opportunities for habitat creation and restoration at these sites. Working with the minerals industry to develop wetland creation schemes, as mentioned above, provides habitat for the otter and water vole as well as for many bird and invertebrate species.
These new areas will augment the existing landscape under conservation management, which includes the Trust’s nature reserves at Ripon Loop and Burton Leonard. Yorkshire Wildlife Trust is also working with the Environment Agency to deliver part of its Strategic Partnership for the River Ouse and its Tributaries (SPROUT) programme, and, through its own Water for Wildlife project, with landowners to develop more wetland habitat in this region.
This whole suite of projects includes an education programme and offers great potential for tourism and recreational development.
Trust reserves within the scheme
Ripon Loop, Staveley, Burton Leonard Lime Quarries
This scheme is helping species including...
Otter and water vole, as well as for many bird and invertebrate species.
This scheme is also...
Improving access for people, providing recreational opportunities, encouraging green tourism, providing environmental education.
Partners
Natural England, Environment Agency, Ministry of Defence, Woodland Trust, Minerals Industry, Lafarge, Ripon City Quarry, HBC, Morrisons, AONB.
To find out more
Email: info@ywt.org.uk | Tel: 01904 659570
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 Adam Cormack.JPG)