NORTH YORKSHIRE
Lowland heath and woodland with many paths to explore
MAX MILES ON FOOT: 5 MIN TIME: 2 HOURS
Skipwith Common National Nature Reserve is a fascinating place to explore, whether you’re planning a short outing with the kids, some peace, quiet and nature for an hour or two, or a half-day walk, taking in all its trails.
Featuring both wet and dry heath, ponds and scrub, and flanked by farmland, the common is home to many species of plants, insects, reptiles, amphibians and birds. Look out for signs of its Bronze Age burial mounds and its use as a World War II airfield.
WHERE TO WATCH
1 Follow the path around the edge of the wood from Common Road car park, looking towards Skipwith village. Check the fields for Sky Larks, Yellowhammers and partridges. The woodland edge is great for Garden Warblers, Spotted Flycatchers and Cuckoos.
IMAGEBROKER.COM GMBH & CO. KG/ALAMY*
2 The path across the heath between Sandy Lane car park and Common Road also provides a circular walk, taking in woodland between the two car parks. Watch for raptors over the heath, and keep scanning the gorse and trees for warblers and Tree Pipits.
3 The Bomb Bay Loop is one of the most wildlife-rich parts of the common; this short circuit around the former airfield has a number of viewing platforms, looking out over the biggest pool and an expanse of heath. Listen for Wood L
