Ben Rhydding Gravel Pits Local Nature Reserve

Although I have lived in Ilkley for twenty years, I had never been here. It's a small nature reserve but lovely nevertheless. We were lucky enough to see a kingfisher on our visit as well as lots of dragonflies, various fish and other birds like yellow wagtails. It was peaceful by the river but unfortunately the traffic on the A65 was a bit intrusive at times. We my wife, dog and I enjoyed our visit though and I'm sure we shall be back.

I have been many times with my camera over recent years. It's a pleasant flat walk by the river with a few benches, lots of wildlife and wide variety of flora.Visited onWeekdayWait timeNo wait

I have now led four walks from Burley in Wharfedale to Ben Rhydding Gravel Pits nature reserve, two being part of our Burley Summer Festival, and two being part of our regular monthly Sunday morning walks programme. The walks proved very popular with approximately 30 people each time, and the feedback has been superb. In particular people have mentioned the quality and accessibility of the information about plants and trees, birds, insects and animals that our guide on each occasion, Steve Parkes, was able to provide. Providing a new entrance to the reserve for walkers from Burley direction was the icing on the cake in terms of making the reserve more accessible to the village. The nature reserve is now firmly on the map as far Burley is concerned, and we look forward to maintaining regular visits in the future.

We took a group of 16 Scouts to the reserve and with the help of the volunteer warden Steve we observed small mammels which were safely caught and released for conservation studies, built coppice wigwams and helped with a bird watching screen. Steve was excellent with the scouts and the reserve is really beautiful.

Brilliant and accessible nature reserve, always something to see

Alongside the beautiful river Wharfe near Ilkley this nature reserve has a variety of habitats and is a great place to observe birds, plants, butterflies and dragonflies and if you’re really lucky you may even spot an otter!

A hidden gem. Peace and tranquility at the foot of Ilkley Moor. It's a nice, short, flat walk along the River Wharfe with plenty of wildlife to look at along the way.

Beautiful as always.so relaxing

Bring your camera..

Directions to Ben Rhydding Gravel Pits Local Nature Reserve with public transportation

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