Staveley Nature Reserve - my new local wetland.

Nov 23, 2024
1 min read

Updated: Apr 11

In the month of November I discovered the Yorkshire Wildlife Trusts Staveley Nature Reserve located between Harrogate and Ripon. It is easily accessible and looks stunning in the rare Yorkshire sunlight, both at dawn and dusk.

My visits to date have found it full of potential photo opportunities with with roe deer, photogenic farm stock, and a wide variety of bird life in evidence.

The combination of hides, and a good circular 2 mile walk if you choose, has made it my new go to place. The only downside is that it is very popular with dog walkers etc so an early start is highly recommended.

Deer standing alertly in a sunlit meadow, with a blurred pond and grasses in the background. Rich brown fur and tall antlers visible. — ***A Roebuck.***

A cormorant spreads its wings while perched on a post in a calm lake. The background is lush and green, with reflections on the water. — ***A cormorant just hanging out.***

Young swan flaps its wings while landing over a blue lake. Brown reeds in the foreground. Calm and natural setting. — ***An incoming swan.***

Two Highland cows stand in a calm, shallow lake with tall grass around. Their shaggy brown coats contrast with the blue water. — ***Highland cattle taking a paddle***.

Tufted duck with wings spread stands on rippling water, surrounded by golden reflections. Calm mood. — ***A tufted duck at golden hour***