Once a neglected area used as a dumping ground for waste, Barlow Common near Selby is now a scenic nature reserve with plentiful wildlife. The Barlow Common Wildlife Trail is a 3-mile woodland walk within the reserve which highlights the amazing flora and fauna to be observed here.
Yorkshire Wildlife Trust took over care of the area in 2013, before which the land was used as a ballast tip by a local rail company. Walking through Barlow Common Nature Reserve today, you wouldn’t believe its history.
Barlow Common is utterly peaceful, except for the sound of birds calling to one another in the treetops. The patchwork of wildflower grassland, woodland and ponds creates a beautiful backdrop for your walk.
The Barlow Common Wildlife Trail leads through a quiet corner of the reserve home to towering oak and birch trees. 25 wooden markers act as checkpoints, highlighting to visitors the vast range of wildlife here.
In addition to the wide variety of birdlife, walkers can spot butterflies, grass snakes, foxes, and roe deer, and through the spring and summer seasons there is much flora to be admired.
The Barlow Common Wildlife Trail itself is around 3 miles in length, and although the paths are unsurfaced, there are no stiles or other obstacles to contend with which makes for easy walking.
All the family will enjoy the wildlife trail around Barlow Common Nature Reserve. For more details, visit the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust website: www.ywt.org.uk/nature-reserves/barlow-common-nature-reserve