Burton Riggs Nature Reserve

Located at the edge of Scarborough, and with a railway line on one side and industrial estates on the other, Burton Riggs has a rich variety of habitats that support a wide range of species.

Until 1974, sand and gravel were quarried from Burton Riggs used for building the nearby A64. It was then taken over by the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust after the pits were flooded to create two large freshwater lakes. Shallows and islands were also created, and the surrounding scrub and grassland planted with trees, where bee, pyramidal, and common spotted orchids can be found.

Autumn and winter are ideal times to visit, when migrating birds including smews, pochards, goldeneyes, tufted ducks, swans, and geese arrive at the site. Flocks of oystercatchers and green sandpipers can be spotted on the islands, as well as grey herons keeping watch as they scan for fish, and cormorants drying their wings in the sun. Little egret are also occasional visitors.

In spring, common and lesser whitethroats, blackcaps, and chiffchaffs, fly about amongst the woodland and scrub, while willow, sedge, and sometimes garden warblers can be heard singing early in the morning.

A public footpath runs through Burton Riggs and there are several paths throughout the site. The path around the smaller lake has wheelchair access, while the route around the larger lake is a much less even terrain with steps and boardwalks covering the muddier and rougher parts.

There is a small car park with space for 6 cars at the northern end of the reserve. Parking is also available on nearby roads.

Please note, dogs are welcome on the reserve, but must be kept on a lead at all times.