Barlow Common Nature Reserve has abundant flora and fauna which can be enjoyed the year round. Once common grazing ground, it has now been declared a Local Nature Reserve (LNR) by Selby District Council, in consultations with English Nature. This important status recognises its special interest and the conservation of wildlife and habitats to safeguard their future.

History and Natural History

For centuries, Barlow Common was used by local parishioners for turning out cattle, pigs and sheep to graze; for firewood and for sand and gravel. The land value fell to almost nothing during the agricultural depression and it was acquired by the local railway company in 1908. It was used intermittantly as a ballast tip for over 50 years.

Remnants of the original common can be seen around the northern and western margins. This consists of maturing oak, birch and willow woodland, marsh, reedbed, significant for its breeding reed warblers and four large ponds. Two of these attract wild fowl and migrating waders, including shelduck, greenshank and sandpiper. Almost 140 types of bird have been seen at Barlow Common.

In 1983, tipping ceased and British Rail took the initiative to reclaim the land by covering the former tip with earth. This took the form of clay excavated from a nearby field. The resulting depression was specially shaped, allowed to fill with water and now forms the mere. Selby District Council acquired the site in 1986 to create a nature reserve.

Many trees have been planted since 1984 to create woodland. Consisting of oak, birch, wild cherry, rowan, willow, alder, hazel, hawthorn and elder. It is a rich wildlife habitat particularly suitable for small birds such as dunnocks, tits and willow warblers.

The rest of the tip area has been allowed to colonise naturally and now supports over 200 species of wildflower such as evening primrose, ox-eye daisy, teasel, vipers bugloss, red and white campion and bird's foot trefoil. This rich flora provides a home for a great variety of insect life, notably 21 different types of butterfly. Meadow brown, common blue, and small copper are often seen. A visit to the common in spring is worthwhile to hear the nesting skylarks singing.

Small mammels such as water voles, wood mice, weasels and stoats are present. Occasionally, fox and roe deer from neighbouring woodland are seen. Detailed information about wildlife on the common can be obtained from the Countryside Service at the information centre.

Local Nature Reserve Status

Barlow Common was declared a Local Nature Reserve (LNR) by Selby District Council, in consultations with English Nature, in March 2002.  This important status recognises its special interest and the conservation of wildlife and habitats to safeguard their future.

LNRs must provide opportunities for the study of, and research into, matters relating to the flora and fauna of Great Britain. An education service is available at Barlow Common. For more details, contact the Countryside Officer on the number below.  LNRs should be used by all for quiet enjoyment and the appreciation of nature.

Barlow Common Site Map 

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Directions

Barlow Common is easily reached from the A1041 Selby to Snaith road by taking the southern-most turning to Barlow village. The main entrance and carpark, which is free of charge, are located on the left 2/3 miles from the A1041.

Selby Countryside Management Project

The Selby Countryside Management (SCM) Project aims to conserve wildlife and habitats and enhance the natural beauty and amenity of the District. Below are a number of projects and activities run by the SCM Project.

Education service

An education service is available at Barlow Common. Numerous school groups visit to study its varied wildlife and habitats.

'Watch' is the junior wing of the Royal Society for Nature Conservation and is the all-action club for young environmentalists. The project runs the Selby Watch Group which meets every month. Both children and their parents are welcome to come along and admission is free. You can view this year's activities online. For details of how to join, contact Rachel Stanhope (details below).  The rangers at Barlow Common also raise people's awareness of the District's natural environment through information such as leaflets, displays, guided walks and talks.

Countryside volunteers

The Selby Countryside Management Project works with volunteers, people with disabilities and work experience placements and their assistance is invaluable. We also take pupils wishing to do conseravtion as part of their Duke of Edinburgh Award.  Throughout the District, we give advice and practical help to schools, community groups and parish councils on the creation and maintenance of wildlife areas.

The project encourages the use of native trees and shrub varieties like oak, birch, hazel and hawthorn in tree planting schemes in order to benefit wildlife and maintain a traditional landscape. Hedgerows are also surveyed for their wildlife importance before they can be removed.

Useful links

BTCV - BTCV is the UK's leading charity working with people to bring about positive environmental change.

Woodland management

Selby Countryside Management Project manages a small woodland at Barlow Common LNR as well as several plantations. The rangers are also happy to give advice on tree planting schemes, the best species to use and hedge planting in the District. They get involved in National Tree Week each year.

The Mere at Barlow Common

The Mere at Barlow Common was stocked with 300 Tench and 100 Bream on 12th December 2003. This is in addition to the 600 Tench which were added in December 2001. This completes improvements to a well used fishery already stocked with Common and Mirror Carp, Roach, Rudd and Perch.

Day and season tickets are now available. To purchase these or for information on regulations phone Barlow Common (contact details below).

Visitor Information for Barlow Common

Barlow Common has a number of leaflets about its flora and fauna and nature trails. These can be viewed at the bottom of this page under 'Associated Documents'.  Barlow Common is open to the public during daylight hours, seven days a week. On your visit, please observe the following points for your own safety and enjoyment:

• The edge of the former tip is a steep embankment and should not be climbed as parts of the Mere are deep; take care when close to the edge, and 
• Strong, water-resistant footwear is advisable during or following bad weather.
  

The reserve contains fragile plants and wildlife which are easily disturbed or damaged. In order to conserve these features and help the site staff, please:

• Keep dogs on leads at all times.
• Take all litter home.
• Leave wildflowers for others to enjoy - it is illegal to take them from the countryside, and
• Keep noise to a minimum.