Moorlands Nature Reserve is a charming Edwardian woodland garden just north of York, with a nature trail, pond-dipping, a tree house bird hide, and a stunning display of rhododendrons and spring flowers. 

Moorlands Nature Reserve | Nature Reserve in York

• Opening Hours: Open at all times
• Location: Moor Lane, York, North Yorkshire, YO32 2RE
• Booking: No booking required
• Cost: Free entry
• Website: https://www.ywt.org.uk/nature-reserves/moorlands-nature-reserve

Tucked away off Moor Lane, Moorlands is one of Yorkshire Wildlife Trust's oldest reserves and a real favourite for family visits. Originally an Edwardian woodland garden planted by Edward Grosvenor Tew in 1909, it's part of the ancient Forest of Galtres and became a nature reserve in 1955. Children can follow the nature trail, try their hand at gentle pond-dipping, spot wooden sculptures along the way, and climb up to the much-loved tree house, which doubles as a bird hide.

The reserve is also a haven for wildlife. Bird feeders attract great spotted woodpeckers, nuthatches and various tits, while bat boxes dotted around the site have been used by common pipistrelle and brown long-eared bats, among others. Badgers are also present, so visitors are asked to stick to the path to avoid disturbing them.

Spring is when Moorlands really comes into its own, with a striking collection of old rhododendrons and azaleas alongside a steady succession of snowdrops, bluebells, primroses and wood sorrel. Come autumn, keep an eye out for woodcock and the chance to spot unusual fungi in the leaf litter along the woodland floor.

Good to Know

• Roadside parking only, with limited spaces (8 to 10 cars) in a narrow layby beside Moor Lane
• No dogs are permitted on the reserve
• The reserve entrance has a pedestrian kissing gate, accessible to most wheelchairs, with no other barriers or steps along the path
• Some areas of the path can become waterlogged in winter
• Nearest toilets, pubs, cafes and shops are around two miles away in Haxby
• Good mobile coverage throughout the reserve
• Best time to visit is March to June for the spring flower displays

Photo credit: https://www.ywt.org.uk/nature-reserves/moorlands-nature-reserve