Chalk Streams and Fish Farm Ponds
Exploring Skerne Wetlands in East Yorkshire, England
Last week Matt and I visited Skerne Wetlands, which is a little-known nature reserve managed by the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust.
The reserve consists of some of the UK’s most northerly chalks streams, wet grassland, reed beds and numerous former fish farm ponds. Apparently there are over 90 of these ponds, but many are overgrown and it is difficult to see where one ends and another begins.
Skerne Wetlands is well off the beaten track, and it is one of those places where you rarely see other visitors and feel truly immersed in nature.
On our journey to the reserve we first stop at a small parking area beside the river in the village of Wansford, just east of Driffield. There are lock gates and an information board here, as well as a convenient picnic table.
Following the footpath onward beside the river brings us to two bridges over branches of the River Hull. Here we admire the beautifully clear water of the chalk stream, and spot some large trout sheltering in the shadow of one of the bridges.
A small gate allows access to Snakeholme Pastures where we stroll beside the river, enjoying the greenery and crystal clear water.
We return to the picnic table for a coffee break before driving on to the main reserve at Skerne Wetlands.
It’s not the easiest place to find. First we follow the sign to Skerne village, driving over the two bridges we walked to previously. Then, just as we arrive at Skerne village, we take a farm track on the left. This long, pot-holed track has several junctions where fortunately there are signs directing us to the reserve.
After parking and donning our walking shoes, we set off on the trail through the reserve. Immediately we are rewarded with the loud cackling sound of marsh frogs coming from the water channels. Marsh frogs are a non-native species and are only found in a few places in the UK. There is a sizable population in the nearby Tophill Low Nature Reserve, which is presumably where these originated from.
After being entertained by the sound of the marsh frogs we peer through a screen to view the reed bed. We spot an acrobatic marsh harrier patrolling above. Almost immediately its partner appears, and we are treated to a fine aerial display by these agile raptors.
We cross Cleaves Bridge, where we see more trout, and then follow a trail with the chalk stream to the left and former fish ponds to the right.
Shortly after crossing Cleaves Bridge we stop to admire two magnificent weeping willow trees with their branches arching gracefully over the river.
Nesting boxes have been provided between the ponds. I hope they have some occupants. There are also a couple of large owl boxes on the reserve with clear evidence of occupation, and we did catch a glimpse of a barn owl across one of the fields.
Everywhere is the sound of warblers, with sedge and reed warblers among the reeds, chiffchaffs and willow warblers in the trees and Cetti’s warblers calling loudly from low shrubs. Chaffinches, robins and wrens are all in fine voice too, and we hear a cuckoo calling in the distance. A grey heron lands close by in a pond, and a reed bunting sings proudly from a low bush.
Several benches and picnic tables can be found around the reserve. They provide places to sit and enjoy the tranquility in this secluded place, well away from the frantic pace and constant noise of modern life. It is difficult to find such peaceful places these days.
Dragonflies and damselflies abound along the pond edges, butterflies flit around us on the path and wildflowers along the trail are buzzing with bees. This is nature as it should be!
I am so grateful to the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust for helping to preserve special places like this. Joining local, national and international conservation societies is one of the best ways to ensure that these places continue to provide shelter for nature and enjoyment for us, both now and in the future.
Website: YWT - Skerne Wetlands
This post is free for everyone to read. If you would like to support my writing and photography you can always Buy Me A Coffee.
You can see more of my photography in my Picfair Gallery, where you can buy downloads and prints in various formats.
Looks like a wonderful place for a stroll
I just came on here to say, "I never knew Yorkshire had any chalk streams", but I see Felicity has beaten me to it 😁. Looks a beautiful place.