Staveley Nature Reserve to double in size

Staveley has been popular with naturalists since the 18th century

A North Yorkshire nature reserve popular with bird watchers and insect and plant enthusiasts is to benefit from a lottery grant of £474,600.

The money will be used to double the size of the 40 hectare Stavelely Nature Reserve near Harrogate and Knaresborough.

The site has been managed by the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust since 2002.

In addition to physical works to promote conservation, access for the public will also be improved.

Up to a hundred volunteers will have the opportunity to get involved in the project over a two year period, taking part in the Trust's vision of a 'living landscape'.

Head of Reserves at the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, David Hargreaves, said:

"Thanks to the Heritage Lottery Fund we have the opportunity to engage with the current and future generation to enjoy, relish and more importantly to participate in saving and expanding this living landscape."

Nineteen species of dragonfly have been recorded at Staveley

Popular reserve

Formerly known as the Staveley Carrs and part of the natural floodplain of the River Ure, the nature reserve has been popular with naturalists since the 18th century.

Records of the area feature in early works such as E Hargrove's 'History of Knaresborough' (1789, Blanchard, York).

A true wildlife haven, Staveley's picturesque shallow open water lagoons, grasslands and meadows are home to many special and rare species of locally and regionally important flora and fauna.

Although not yet designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), the reserve could qualify for such status on account of its large number of dragonfly species alone.

Nineteen species have been recorded at the reserve, including recent colonisers ruddy darters, and migrant hawkers.

A staggering 212 bird species have been also been recorded, ranging from the more commonly known blue tits, yellowhammers, kestrels and songthrushes, to species in serious decline such as tree sparrows and reed buntings.

Insect lovers will also find over 140 species of moth, ranging from the daylight predator, the five-spot burnet, to wetland specialist, the brown-veined wainscot.

'Brilliant news'

The Lottery grant will enable the trust to purchase around 40 hectares of land and water adjacent to the existing Staveley Nature Reserve.

The Chief Executive of the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, Rob Stoneman, added:

"This is brilliant news for wildlife and people in Yorkshire.

"Staveley Nature Reserve is a gem of site. An oasis of peaceful wetland wildlife; a place to relax in and enjoy; a place to be inspired by and learn from and now doubled in size."