North Newbald Becksies is fed by several clear chalk springs which are almost never known to dry up. The water remains at a remarkably constant temperature of 9°C throughout the year and can be seen steaming on cold winter mornings. The terrain of the nature reserve is fairly undulating and in most areas extremely wet – wellies are a must; though there is a drier section at the north east corner.

In spring visit to see some of the early flowering spring plants such as cowslip, marsh marigold, cuckooflower, bogbean (a rarity in this part of Yorkshire) and water avens. A summer visit shows how much this wetland reserve flourishes, there are stands of honey-scented meadowseet as well as marsh orchid and lady's mantle, yellow rattle in flower. In autumn late flowering devil's bit scabious can be picked out amongst the abundance of vegetation.
 
Grass of Parnassus was recorded as recently as the mid 1990s and may still be present. Also keep an eye out for water shrews and water voles.

• Spring: Plants - Cuckooflower; Water avens; Bogbean; Marsh marigold; Inverterbrates - Orange-tip
• Summer: Plants - Marsh orchids; Lady's mantle; Watercress; Fool's water-cress; Meadowsweet
• Autumn: Plants - Devil's-bit scabious
• Winter: Birds- Snipe

The marsh was originally used for pasturing cattle from the village while they were waiting to be milked and as such is classed as common land. Today, a small number of cattle are used to assist with site management through summer grazing.

Public transport
Irregular bus service from Market Weighton to North Newbald village.

By car
Just east of North Newbald village on the south side of the Beverley road, five miles south of Market Weighton. Park considerately in the village (or arrive by bus), and then walk the short distance to the site.