Nosterfield Nature Reserve

05/06/2026

Birds-eye primrose (Primula farinosa) photographed in the Habitat Creation Nursery at Nosterfield Quarry

This beautiful plant still grows around limestone seepages in the Moors and Dales, but was once widespread in damp meadows across the Central Vale too. A combination of habitat loss and drainage mean it's been lost from the Washlands for now.

Find out more in the 'Lost Plants' and 'Star Plants of Nosterfield' reports on our website:

https://www.luct.org.uk/plants

15/05/2026

🌿 Events for Young People at Nosterfield Nature Reserve this May & June

Looking for nature-based activities for children and young people? Here are some upcoming events:

🐸 28th May – Spring Pond Dipping
Ages 6+
Discover what’s living beneath the water and enjoy a hands-on wildlife adventure.
Book here:
https://www.luct.org.uk/events-1/2025/4/7/spring-pond-dipping-894g2-rbh4y

🦋 13th June – ‘Meet the Moths’ Conservation Club
For ages 6–18 years
Learn about fascinating moth species and get involved with conservation activities.
More info here:
https://www.luct.org.uk/events-1/2026/6/13/june-conservation-club-meet-the-moths

🌱 15th June – Little Explorers
Perfect for pre-school children
A fun outdoor session designed for little nature lovers.
Find out more here:
https://www.luct.org.uk/events-1/2025/3/24/little-explorers-bser3-rd2hh

Please share with anyone who may be interested 💚

13/05/2026

Have you spotted a Bloody-nosed Beetle at Nosterfield Nature Reserve?

Keep an eye out for them on the reserve at this time of year, especially along the path from the dipping ponds to the North Viewing Screen!

Nosterfield NR is thought to be the most northerly outpost for this beetle on the eastern side of the country.

You can find out more about the Bloody-nosed Beetle at Nosterfield NR in this report from The Naturalist in the Biodiversity Heritage Library:
https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/page/57486592

Photographs with thanks to Mike Samworth and Whitfield Benson.

13/05/2026

Our next pond dipping sessions are on 28th May!

Join us to see what's in the dipping ponds at this time of year and use a microscope to take a closer look at what you find.

Book your free tickets below:

What can you find in the dipping ponds in spring? Use nets, trays and identification guides to explore different species and take a closer look with magnification pots and hand lenses! Sessions available at 10am and 1pm

11/05/2026

Join local poet Caroline Matusiak for a gentle spring walk through Nosterfield Nature Reserve on Friday 23rd May, 10am–12pm.

As we stroll along the Main Reserve footpaths towards the North Viewing Screen, Caroline will share readings from her poetry collection The 36 from Ripon. Expect a relaxed and uplifting experience that invites you to slow down, listen closely and see the reserve in a new way.

Free tickets and more information:
https://www.luct.org.uk/events-1/springbirdsandwords

Ripon Poetry Festival

Join Caroline Matusiak, winner of the 2023 Ripon Poetry Festival for this free, family-friendly workshop at Nosterfield Nature Reserve

08/05/2026

EVENT CANCELLED: Butterfly Walk, 9 May

Unfortunately due to the rain that has been forecast tomorrow, the butterfly walk event is now cancelled. Apologies for any inconvenience caused.
We have a butterfly walk in July at Nosterfield Quarry now avalable to book:

Find out more about butterfly species and where to find them around Kiln and Flasks Lake

05/05/2026

Nice to see some lovely colours start to show in the plant nursery with our marsh violet, marsh marigold and cowslips!

02/05/2026

🌧️ EVENT CANCELLATION: Dawn Chorus Walk, 3 May
Unfortunately, due to the heavy rain forecast for tomorrow, we’ve had to cancel the dawn chorus walk. Apologies for any inconvenience, and we hope to see you at a future event.

28/04/2026

We had a fantastic reserve tour on 17th April, starting at the Main Reserve and heading to Nosterfield Quarry in the afternoon.

It was great to meet everyone who attended. Many thanks to Adrian for leading and to Keith Dickinson and Neil Turner for kindly sharing their photographs from the day!

21/04/2026

Happy !

There’s something truly special about the call of the Curlew—one of the most iconic sounds of our wetlands.

Watch our video featuring Curlew filmed at Nosterfield Nature Reserve by Tim Scott, alongside beautiful photographs captured at the reserve by Whitfield Benson, Jill Warwick and Alex Penn.

If you’re visiting us, don’t miss our World Curlew Day display in the main hide.

Photographs by Whitfield Benson